"Aye," said Rose, and she nodded at the two toddlers. "See those bairns? They're Lizzy Jenkins'. Her mother died, and her father's still there, but ill. She married John Storr from down the road. Moved in here so they can take care of her father, since her sister got married to a Runswick man, and Pip and Frankie are both workin' at the Teesside. Abe Barnes and his family moved to the Teesside as well. Gave up fishin' altogether. The Russells are still livin' o'er there and - Oh!"

She suddenly realized the bucket was full and water was running over the side. She pulled it away and tilted it gently to let some of the water run out. Then she rose, lifting the bucket.

"Aunt Grace is still livin' in t' Cragg and me cousin Matthew, but Susie got married and now lives in Blackburn's yard and me uncle and cousin Luke drowned along with Tom." She began to lead him up the steps. "Me father ain't home yet, but he'll be here any time. We'll make ye a cuppa."