It 's splendid . Get up , my nag , get up . '' The Adams place itself was not unromantic . The house was a large , old-fashioned white one , with green shutters and a front porch with Grecian columns . These were thought very elegant in Amberley . Mrs. Carmody said they gave a house such a classical air . In this instance the classical effect was somewhat smothered in honeysuckle , which rioted over the whole porch and hung in pale yellow , fragrant festoons over the rows of potted scarlet geraniums that flanked the green steps . Beyond the house a low-boughed orchard covered the slope between it and the main road , and behind it there was a revel of colour betokening a flower garden . Jedediah climbed down from his lofty seat and walked dubiously to a side door that looked more friendly , despite its prim screen , than the classical front porch . As he drew near he saw a woman sitting behind the screen -- a woman who rose as he approached and opened the door . Jedediah 's heart had been beating a wild tattoo as he crossed the yard . It now stopped altogether -- at least he declared in later years it did . The woman was Mattie Adams -- Mattie Adams fifteen years older than when he had seen her last , plumper , rosier , somewhat broader-faced , but still unmistakably Mattie Adams . Jedediah felt that the situation was delicious . `` 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 XXXXX , still holding her hand foolishly .
Adams Carmody Grecian Jedediah Mattie colour festoons geraniums placidity years