Summary

Part 1, Chapter 4 – Sal is waiting for Billy when he gets home. So is Papa, who is carrying an old, beat-up cello with two strings. He asks about Billy’s day, and he tells his father about Hamster. When Papa asks about Mrs. Silver, Billy says he doesn’t want to talk anymore. Sal says she has learned to read with Papa, and holds up a copy of “Pride and Prejudice”, Mama’s favorite book. She says she now knows how to read the words and it is thanks to Papa. She says she is going to reach the Drop Sisters how to read.

Papa then brings both of his children to the garage to show them the treasures he has found that day at the dump, in addition to the cello. These include an old-fashioned telephone, driftwood, and a shiny silver garden ball...