MAY TIME 
111 
in the way of a spring zephyr, but like the wind 
before a squall : 
“Now I know where I am. The scent of those 
three lilacs makes me feel the presence of your 
Aunt Amanda. Take me into the parlour, please, 
and let me sit on the haircloth sofa.” 
We took him into the parlour, where he was 
surprised to find the favourite sofa covered up with 
brocade. 
“Dear me,” he said, “there is nothing in this 
world so sure as change ! Are you not afraid the 
light streaming in at those windows will fade the 
carpet?” 
I answered that the carpet was already faded, 
and that we liked the air and sunshine. 
“What about flies?” he asked. “Your Aunt 
Amanda never let one come within her walls.” 
I did notice then that there were a number of 
flies about, and felt it was perhaps a sign of poor 
housekeeping. 
Afterwards, Mrs. Keith brought in tea, of which 
Mr. Hayden drank two cups, saying it was excel- 
lent. He still continued to tease us about the 
changes we had made at the Six Spruces. 
I asked him if he had heard Joseph play his vio- 
lin; for this is something my brother can do even 
better than plant a garden. Mr. Hayden an- 
swered : 
“Dear me, music in this house on Sunday!” 
Then Joseph played as he does on Sunday after- 
