Janet was sure of that . Janet liked picking apples ; Avery did not like it ; but Aunt Matilda had decreed that the red apples should be picked that afternoon , and Aunt Matilda 's word was law at the Sparhallow farm , even for wilful Avery . So they worked and talked as they worked -- of Avery 's wedding , which was to be as soon as Bruce Gordon should arrive from Scotland . `` I wonder what Bruce will be like , '' said Avery . `` It is eight years since he went home to Scotland . He was sixteen then -- he will be twenty-four now . He went away a boy -- he will come back a man . '' `` I do n't remember much about him , '' said Janet . `` I was only nine when he went away . He used to tease me -- I do remember that . '' There was a little resentment in her voice . Janet had never liked being teased . Avery laughed . `` You were so touchy , Janet . Touchy people always get teased . Bruce was very handsome -- and as nice as he was handsome . Those two years he was here were the nicest , gayest time I ever had . I wish he had stayed in Canada . But of course he would n't do that . His father was a rich man and Bruce was ambitious .
Oh , Janet , I wish I could live XXXXX the old land .
So as at for from in like since that to