Nance had been allowed to help out with the birth and there was great celebration when it turned out to be a girl. ‘I tell yer, Maryann,’ Nance said after, ‘I never want to go through that in my life. Our mom says it’s like passing a pig’s bladder. She was on the go till right the last minute an’ all. I kept telling ’er, “Mom, just go and ’ave yerself a lie down,” but she says, “No, Nance – I’ve got to see the lads ’ave ’ad their tea. Any’ow, the longer I’m on my feet, the quicker the babby’ll come.” ’ Maryann had her first peek at baby Lizzie when she was only one day old, with her mop of black hair, scrumpled up face, closed eyes and tight little fists. She was allowed to go up into Cathleen and Blackie’s room where Cathleen lay in a motley mess of bedding consisting of what looked like rags and coats. The room was bare except for the metal bedstead and a chamber pot, and though the window was open there was a sickening miasma of sweat and blood.
