The small room has a single bed, a small chest of drawers, and a wardrobe. On the wall hangs a picture of a rural scene which echoes the view from the small window. He puts the case down and returns to the hallway where Alice stands silent as Mrs Postlethwaite talks ‘at’ her. She looks at Billy as he ascends the stairs and points to the floor next to Alice. Obediently, Billy takes his place and asks where he should take his case, but the stern lady silences him. “Speak only when spoken to boy.” she barks. “Before either of you go anywhere you need to be scrubbed… heaven knows what lice live in your hair or what detritus you’ve brought from the city,” she says before leading them into the back room. She sends Billy to fetch the tin bath from the scullery, then to fill the coal-scuttle.