It was no use, Ruby could see that. No matter what she said they were going to disappear, but she made one last appeal to Daisy. ‘Ellie was your friend. Don’t you want justice for her? Don’t listen to Howard, Daisy. Do the right thing even if he won’t.’

Daisy visibly bristled. ‘Howard helped us get Ellie to the hospital, didn’t he? He needn’t have done that. An’ I agree with him, if you want to know. Daniel Bell will go down the line now anyway an’ that’s all that matters. Old Aggie was the one who caused what happened to Ellie. I don’t want Daniel to come after Howard because he rats on him.’

It was a different world with a different set of rules. Daisy had spoken about Howard as though he was some kind of hero, not the man who had put her on the game and who lived off her earnings. Unbelievable, but she actually seemed to have an affection for him. The feeling that had taken possession of her mind and body when she knew Ellie was gone was stronger, and Ruby knew she would say something terrible if she was with these two a minute longer.

‘Stop here,’ she said. ‘I can catch the tram from here and you can get away.’

Howard reined in the horse immediately. He clearly couldn’t wait to be rid of her, but Daisy said uncertainly, ‘Are you sure? You look a bit peaky.’

‘I’m sure.’

‘Oh, all right then. Well, look after yourself, lass.’

She didn’t reply, couldn’t have replied, and once she’d scrambled down from the plank seat the horse and trap pulled away at once. Daisy turned round to wave but she didn’t respond, and after a moment the other girl settled herself closer to Howard and put her arm through his.

The snow was falling thicker now and Ruby stood and watched the horse and cart until it was swallowed up in the distance. She didn’t wait for the tram but began to walk and now her tears all but blinded her as her heart cried out, ‘Ellie, Ellie,’ with every step.

She was soaked through and her shoes were sodden by the time she reached Bath Lane Terrace. She had no sooner opened the front door and stepped into the hall than Mabel was there, cluck-clucking at the state of her before she noticed Ruby’s red-rimmed eyes. ‘What is it, lass?’ she asked worriedly, taking Ruby’s cold hands and drawing her along to the warmth of the kitchen. ‘Bridget said there’s a bad case at the workhouse but why did you have to stay? And all night an’ all. Taking liberties they are, if you ask me.’

‘It’s Ellie, Mabel.’