`` 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 Mattie . `` Why , Jed , there 's ever so much to tell and ask . And we ca n't stand here in the yard and talk . Look at Selena . There she is , watching us from the kitchen window . She 'll watch as long as we stand here . '' Jed swung himself around .
Over the little valley below the Adams homestead was a steep , treeless hill , and XXXXX its crest was perched a bare farmhouse with windows stuck lavishly all over it .
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