Ma Norton came over during the evening to borrow some yeast. Amos was working over some figures on a bit of paper. Lydia was sitting with a text book in front of her. She had not turned a leaf in twenty minutes, to Lizzie's actual count.
"Spring's here," said Ma. "Though there's still a bite in the air. Not that Billy seems to notice it. I found him sitting on the front steps with his cigar, as if it was June."
Lizzie gave Lydia a quick look and wondered if she only imagined that her cheeks were turning pinker.
"I can't sit down," Ma went on, "I've got to set this sponge to rise."
"I'll walk home with you, Mrs. Norton," said Lydia, suddenly. "It seems as if one couldn't get enough of this first spring day."
"Do!" Ma's voice was always extra cordial when she spoke to Lydia.
Lizzie watched the door close behind the two. "I knew it," she exclaimed.
"Knew what?" inquired Amos, looking up from his figures.
"That there was a new moon," answered the old lady, shortly, trudging off to her bedroom.
"Liz is getting childish," thought Amos, returning to his work.