I delayed this no longer.
House-cleaning time had now arrived.

My new carpets were taken up and packed away, to give place to the cooler matting.

Our winter clothing also received attention, and was deposited in chests and closets for the summer, duly provided with all needful protection from moths.

After this came the calm of rest and self-satisfaction.
One day, about the middle of July, a lady friend called in to see me.
"That's a neat sofa, Mrs.Smith," said she, in the pause of a conversation.
"I think it very neat," was my answer.
"It's made from the same pattern with one that I had.

One that I always liked, and from which I was sorry to part." "You sold it ?" said I.
"Yes.