without discrimination of the path.

"Here's Mary!" said Anne Hilton aloud, turning towards the door and
moving a chair. A woman of about forty-three, with a basket on one arm
and walking with a strong stick, came steadily towards the door. She
would have been comely if it had not been for a fixed frown which seemed
odd on her pleasant, good-tempered face. She wore a print bodice, with a
point back and front, and a short bunchy stuff skirt. Though Sarah was
well in sight she took no notice of her, but walked straight on towards
her, until the latter said with evident pleasure--

"It's you, Mary!"

"Yes!" answered Mary, with a slight start.

"How are you?"

"Quite well," said Sarah. "Here's the door." She laid her hand over that
of the other woman and set it on the side of the post, at the same time
taking her basket, which was full of eggs, and only partially covered by
a cloth.

"How many?" she asked. "Have you counted?"

"Four dozen," replied Mary. "Have you finished your butter?"

"It's coming," said Anne, taking the handle again.

"Let _me_ try," said Mary. "I often think I could manage butter nicely."