Lyddie

On her third day, despite how daunting she finds the prospect of becoming a proficient weaver, Lyddie feels sense of optimism as she reports to work. She attributes this excitement to her anticipation of hearing what will happen next to Oliver Twist. In the coming weeks, Betsy waits for Lyddie, reading only when they are together so that Lyddie does not miss any of the plot. Over the weeks it takes for Betsy to read Oliver Twist aloud, Lyddie’s skills as a loom operator improve exponentially. Lyddie draws upon her exceptional physical endurance as a tireless farm laborer, developing a high degree of precision and proficiency as she applies her work ethic and dedication to the technical requirements of loom operation. Betsy confides in Lyddie that she is saving for tuition to attend Oberlin College in Ohio, which accepts women as students. When they have finished Oliver Twist, there isn’t time to begin another novel. Like most other employees of Concord Corporation, Betsy and Lyddie’s two other roommates return home in July to take their summer holiday. Having signed a one-year contract with the Concord Corporation, Lyddie is not able to take time away.