Rose ran as fast as she could, but her ankles and feet were soaked by the time they got to her own home - there were small holes in her shoes - and her skirts and shawl were heavy with water. She let go of her cousins hand to be able to run up the uneven steps more easily, and burst in.

The small cottage was packed with people. The children had come back to shelter from the rain, and her aunt and some neighbours were there as well.