A woman once of some height, she is bent small, and the lingering strands of black look dirty in her white hair. She carries a cane, but in forgetfulness, perhaps, hangs it over her forearm and totters along with it dangling loose like an outlandish bracelet. Her method of gripping her gardener is this: he crooks his right arm, pointing his elbow toward her shoulder, and she shakily brings her left forearm up within his and bears down heavily on his wrist with her lumpish freckled fingers. Her hold is like that of a vine to a wall; one good pull will destroy it, but otherwise it will survive all weathers.
The description portrays an elderly woman who has physically diminished over time, characterized by her small stature and unkempt appearance. Once tall, her height has been overtaken by age, and her hair, with hints of black, now appears dirty against a background of white. She uses a cane but often forgets it, allowing it to hang loosely from her arm. This imagery evokes a sense of fragility and vulnerability in her condition.
Her interaction with the gardener further illustrates her dependence on others for support. He offers his arm, and she clings to his wrist in a way that suggests both reliance and strength. The metaphor of her grip being like a vine illustrates the delicate balance of her survival; while she might seem weak, she also possesses resilience that allows her to endure. Overall, the passage captures the complexities of aging and dependency, revealing both the struggles and the tenacity of the elderly woman.
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