Anne was already awake staring up at the ceiling when she heard the front door open and close. That had to be Mr. Blacke returning. Mrs. Blacke had seemed so vexed last night that Anne had not dared to ask her if she could go out to check in on Alice. She had considered sneaking out, but had feared that Mrs. Blacke would be so angry if she found out, that Anne would no longer be welcome. But her worry, and the events of the previous day in general had played through her head endlessly: while she lay awake for hours, trying to sleep; while she slept lightly and restlessly at last; when she woke up and lay awake once again.

Kate meanwhile, was snoring away soundly, until... There was shouting downstairs and Anne watched her friend sit up startled. The girls looked at each other in the dim light that managed to come round the curtains. Then Kate slipped out of bed, tiptoed to the door and opened it an inch or two to listen. Anne slipped out of bed as well and moved to stand behind her friend, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.