In her despair, she had somehow imagined Pearl to open the door. Of course it was Mrs. Blacke. Rose remembered her well from her childhood. Mrs. Blacke had been good friends with her mother. But after her mother had died, she had seen less of Mrs. Blacke. They had all had their pain and daily cares to deal with.

"Good morning, Mrs. Blacke," she said, trying to sound cheerful, though her voice was small and hoarse. "No, actually, I was looking for Pearl. Is she in?" Her heart was beating so loud, Rose was certain it could be heard on her breath. Her sight blurred so that she did not notice Pearl in the back.