It was an event in their simple lives when foreigners presented themselves at the door.
Constance commenced amenities by announcing that she had been walking on the mountain since sunrise and was starving.

Did they by chance have any fresh milk?
'Starving! _Madonna mia_, how dreadful!' Madame held up her hands.

But yes, to be sure they had fresh milk.

They kept four cows.

That was their business--turning milk into cheese and selling it on market day in the village.