Finally I reached the fire and sat down on a stool which I found in front of the hearth . The old lady was squatting on another stool , stirring the meal with a wooden spoon . I felt that she eyed me rapidly, without turning . But she said nothing . Taking of my jacket , I began to dry it . I sensed happiness in me like warmth, from my feet to my shins , my thighs ,my brest . Hungrily , avidly , I inhaled the fragrance of the steam rising from the pot.