As to the house, I find it at last, much further from the station than the old one, with mountains looming behind it like things also themselves newly- acquired, drawn nearer by ownership. It is smaller than my parents' former home and has a neat, white appearance. I see that it has the advantage of being easy to paint.

I go to the back door with shyness. My mother emerges like a stranger from a fresh, a smaller kitchen.

'Oh, how lovely. You took your time!'

*