Daisy laid her hand on Judy’s shoulder. ‘When did you last have something to eat?’

‘Ma never come home, and neither did Pa.’ Judy’s voice broke on a sob and the younger children began to wail.

‘Your mother is getting better, but she needs to stay in hospital for a bit longer.’ Daisy thought quickly. She could not leave the children here, but she knew instinctively that they would not be welcomed by Mrs Wood, even for one night. She sat down at the table and lifted the youngest child on to her knee. ‘Have you any relatives who could look after you?’

Judy shook her head. ‘No, miss.’

‘Is there anyone else living in this house?’

‘No, miss. The landlord wants the house for hisself and we got to get out, too. Pa was going to find us somewhere to live. Where is he, miss?’

‘I’m afraid your pa had an accident, too. He can’t come home.’

Judy’s small face puckered but she did not cry. ‘He’s a goner, ain’t he?’

‘I’m afraid so, dear.’

Judy’s eyes welled with tears and her lips quivered, but she did not cry. ‘Ma always said we’d end up in the workhouse. I sell matches by day but I can’t do that and look after the little ’uns.’ Judy ruffled her sister’s curls before bending down to pick up the younger child. ‘We ain’t got nothing to eat, so we’d best go there now and get it over.’

‘There must be another way,’ Daisy said desperately. ‘Your mother is frantic with worry, and I promised I would do what I can to help.’ She thought quickly. It was too late to take the children away from this awful place this evening, but they were in desperate need of food and warmth. ‘I’ll find you somewhere safe to stay until your ma comes out of hospital, Judy, but I can’t do that until tomorrow.’

‘No, miss.’ Judy sank down on a wooden chair as if her knees had buckled beneath her, and the child in her arms began to snivel.

‘But what I can do is get you some food and some candles, and a bag of coal. Will you be all right here for a while?’

‘Yes, miss.’ Judy’s hand shot out to grasp Daisy’s wrist. ‘You will come back, won’t you?’

‘Yes, I promise I will, and I’ll bring you something to eat and drink. I know where there’s a shop that stays open until very late and it’s not far from here, so I’ll be as quick as I can.’ Daisy patted Judy’s hand. ‘Don’t be afraid. Everything will be all right. You’re a very brave girl, Judy.’

Daisy left the house and set off for the shop in Whitechapel Road where she knew the owner, who had been one of her uncle’s former customers. She walked briskly, ignoring the salacious remarks from men who openly propositioned her. In this mood she would have taken on anyone who tried to prevent her from getting sustenance for the children. She breathed a sigh of relief when she found the shop was still open and Mr Gittins greeted her like an old friend. She explained her mission and he insisted on sending his son to carry her purchases, including a bag of coal and some kindling. When it came to payment she found she was sixpence short, but he refused to take back any of her purchases.