Nell Learns to Work the Matter Compiler Summary

Harv, Nell's bigger brother, decides that it's time for Nell to get a new mattress. Under the watchful eyes of his little sister, he operates one of the matter compilers by poking on the mediaglyphics appearing on the screen. The compiler takes a long time to perform its duty because they live in a poor neighborhood where the Feed is poor and thin. Eventually, the compiler produces a brand new, albeit thin mattress for his sister. Harv departs from the house to go out with his friends, leaving Nell alone. The little girl repeats the keying sequence she observed earlier and she starts the matter compiler on her own. Eventually, she generates enough mattresses to fill up the entire room. When her brother returns, he hurries up and makes the excess...