Final answer:
The true identity of the old woman is hinted at through her remarkable eyes, a detail that stands out to the narrator and signals a deeper recognition of her character.
Step-by-step explanation:
One detail that gives the reader a hint at the true identity of the old woman is her remarkable eyes. As stated in the text, it wasn't until the morning on the upper veranda that the narrator noticed the old woman's eyes were wonderful.
This noticeable feature is often recalled by the characters and stands out as a distinctive hint of her identity when everything else about her seems forgettable or vague. The eyes are symbolic of a deeper recognition that goes beyond the ordinary interaction, suggesting there is more to this old woman's identity than what meets the eye.
Similarly, across the different excerpts provided, other characters also recognize individuals through specific details that carry personal significance—an arresting gaze, shared origins, or a familiar mannerism. These details work as catalysts for deeper understanding and revelations about those characters.