Chapter 10
Brightness
Although the walls were bathed in an amber glow from the daylight, I turned the new lamp on and off, on and off. The ability to light up the room with a simple switch fascinated me. Gas lights were now a feature of every part of the house and, maybe, my toes would no longer fear the edges of the furniture. With one final twist of the switch, I exited the room.
Upon entering the sitting room, I spied Ruby turned upside down in the trunk of magazines and books. The delights in the leather-bound box would keep us entertained for weeks, and for the first time, Ruby shared the wondrous treasures.
My favorite place to settle in for lessons was in the corner of the settee where I curled my legs under me. Mr. Larkin darted between me and Ruby. He checked on my work and sp
