` What does fortune matter ? ' repeated Barbaik , in a shocked voice . ` Is it possible that you are really so foolish as to despise money ? If this is what you learn from Denis , I forbid you to speak to him , and I will have him turned out of the farm if he dares to show his face here again . Now go and wash the clothes and spread them out to dry . ' Tephany did not dare to disobey , but with a heavy heart went down the path to the river . ` She is harder than these rocks , ' said the girl to herself , ` yes , a thousand times harder . For the rain at least can at last wear away the stone , but you might cry for ever , and she would never care . Talking to Denis is the only pleasure I have , and if I am not to see him I may as well enter a convent . ' Thinking these thoughts she reached the bank , and began to unfold the large packet of linen that had to be washed . The tap of a stick made her look up , and standing before her she saw a little old woman , whose face was strange to her . ` You would like to sit down and rest , granny ? ' asked Tephany , pushing aside her bundle . ` When the sky is all the roof you have , you rest where you will , ' replied the old woman in trembling tones . ` Are you so lonely , then ? ' inquired Tephany , full of pity . ` Have you no friends who would welcome you into their houses ? ' The old woman shook her head . ` They all died long , long ago , ' she answered , ` and the only friends I have are strangers with kind hearts . ' The girl did not speak for a moment , then held out the small loaf and some bacon intended for her dinner .
` Take this , ' she said ; ` to-day at any rate you shall dine well , ' and the old woman took it , gazing XXXXX Tephany the while .
For If at before down in into that to with