eight
o'clock in the morning
Edna soon ascertained that her predecessors had found the path intolerably thorny , and abandoned it in consequence of Felix 's uncontrollable fits of sullenness and passion . Tutors and governesses had quickly alternated , and as the cripple finally declared he would not tolerate the former , his mother resolved to humor his caprice in the choice of a teacher . Fortunately the boy was exceedingly fond of his books , and as the physicians forbade the constant use of his eyes , the governess was called on to read aloud at least one half of the day . From eight o'clock in the morning till eight at night the whole care of these children devolved on Edna ; who ate , talked , drove with them , accompanied them wherever their inclination led , and had not one quiet moment from breakfast until her pupils went to sleep . Sometimes Felix was restless and wakeful , and on such occasions he insisted that his governess should come and read him to sleep . Notwithstanding the boy 's imperious nature , he possessed some redeeming traits , and Edna soon became much attached to him ; while his affection for his new keeper astonished and delighted his mother . For a week after Edna 's arrival , inclement weather prevented the customary daily drive which contributed largely to the happiness of the little cripple ; but one afternoon as the three sat in the schoolroom , Felix threw his Latin grammar against the wall and exclaimed : `` I want to see the swans in Central Park , and I mean to go , even if it does rain !