`` Mattie , '' he said , holding out his hand . `` Why , Jed , how are you ? '' said Mattie , as if they had parted the week before . It had always taken a great deal to disturb Mattie . Whatever happened she was calm . Even an old lover , and the only one she had ever possessed at that , dropping , so to speak , from the skies , after fifteen years ' disappearance , did not ruffle her placidity . `` I did n't suppose you 'd know me , Mattie , '' said Jedediah , still holding her hand foolishly . `` I knew you the minute I set eyes on you , '' returned Mattie . `` You 're some fatter and older -- like myself -- but you 're Jed still . Where have you been all these years ? '' `` Pretty near everywhere , Mattie -- pretty near everywhere . And ye see what it 's come to -- here I be driving a tin-wagon for Boone Brothers . Business is business -- do n't you want to buy some new tinware ? '' To himself , Jed thought it was romantic , asking a woman whom he had loved all his life to buy tins on the occasion of their first meeting after fifteen years ' separation . `` I do n't know but I do want a quart measure , '' said Mattie , in her sweet , unchanged voice , `` but all in good time . You must stay and have tea with me , Jed . I 'm all alone now -- Mother and Father have gone . Unhitch your horse and put him in the third stall in the stable . '' Jed hesitated . `` I ought to be getting on , I s ` pose , '' he said wistfully .
`` I hai n't done much today -- '' `` You must stay to tea , '' interrupted XXXXX .
Brothers Father Jed Jedediah Mattie placidity third tins tinware years