She was on the lookout for one now , he knew , and would likely be cross , but he thought she would give him a drink . He rowed his skiff into the shore and tied it to a fir that hung out from the bank . A winding little footpath led up to the Pennington farmhouse , which crested the hill about three hundred yards from the shore . Winslow made for the kitchen door and came face to face with a girl carrying a pail of water -- Mrs. Pennington 's latest thing in hired girls , of course . Winslow 's first bewildered thought was `` What a goddess ! '' and he wondered , as he politely asked for a drink , where on earth Mrs. Pennington had picked her up . She handed him a shining dipper half full and stood , pail in hand , while he drank it . She was rather tall , and wore a somewhat limp , faded print gown , and a big sunhat , beneath which a glossy knot of chestnut showed itself . Her skin was very fair , somewhat freckled , and her mouth was delicious . As for her eyes , they were grey , but beyond that simply defied description . `` Will you have some more ? '' she asked in a soft , drawling voice . `` No , thank you . That was delicious . Is Mrs. Pennington home ? '' `` No . She has gone away for the day . '' `` Well , I suppose I can sit down here and rest a while . You 've no serious objections , have you ? '' `` Oh , no . ''
She carried her pail XXXXX the kitchen and came out again presently with a knife and a pan of apples .
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