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 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 , XXXXX her sweet , unchanged voice , `` but all in good time .
To after as at behind for from in like near