"I don't think it's little fires in the walls," Lydia said. "I think it's another thing to do with the electricity?" She was more or less guessing, though. "But it's splendid. There are so many things it makes so much easier, you'll see!"

She thought about telling him about the dishwashers and washing machines, but decided perhaps it was best to ease him into the concept of machines. And she knew she really should tell him about flush toilets, but heavens, how awkward.