‘They’ve been up in ’woodland near Rysome since after dinner, and now they’re loading up a couple o’ sacks of logs and firewood for you to tek back wi’ you,’ her mother said. ‘Some big branches came down over ’lane one night and nobody else seemed to want ’em so your da sawed them up for you. He said you’d probably have to buy wood for a fire in ’town, but here it’s free for collecting.’

‘Oh, bless them,’ Ellen said gratefully. ‘You wouldn’t think how important a fire can be until you’re without one.’

Her mother nodded. ‘Aye, it’s one of man’s basic needs, that and food and shelter. If you’ve got those three you can survive.’

‘Some money to pay ’rent helps too.’ Harry grinned as he patted her shoulder affectionately. He had learned many years before that his mother-in-law rarely accepted any other form of fondness except from her many grandchildren, when it was gladly returned.

She didn’t immediately acknowledge his comment but looked towards Mary and lowered her voice. ‘She should be all right now that her chest has cleared, but I’ve packed up a bag of flannel and embrocation to put on her chest if ’weather turns colder. Whatever you do, keep her off arsenic and cocaine, cos that’s a road to ruin.’

‘It’s ’dust and grime that’s ’problem, Ma,’ Ellen said. ‘We’re living in ’heart of industrial area.’

‘Then get out when you can towards ’estuary,’ her mother advised. ‘Get ’bairns to tek deep breaths of ’salty air that’s coming in from ’sea. Let ’em have a good cough and a spit to get rid of congestion.’

Ellen and Harry exchanged a covert glance. Thomas would enjoy learning to spit, but they’d have to teach the young varmint not to do it in front of anyone else.

‘Has Ellen told you what she’s been up to since going to live in Hull, Ma Snowden?’ Harry asked.

‘Been up to? Why, whatever do you mean? She was allus a quiet little lass, not one for busybodying or interfering.’

Ellen too lifted a questioning eyebrow. What had she done? Nothing untoward, surely?

Harry gave one of his teasing grins. ‘She’s an international ambassador, committed to helping others. That’s what.’

‘What ’you talking about, Harry?’ Ellen asked, and her mother muttered that he was a joker in the pack.

‘It’s true,’ he said, putting an arm about her. ‘My wife is a dedicated unpaid assistant to anyone who needs a helping hand; particularly to anybody coming to this country requiring a roof over their head or a place to warm themselves. I’m very proud of her.’

Mrs Snowden scowled. ‘Come on, you peazan. What do you mean?’