Hetty is shocked at the brisk way in which baby Hazel Didcott is
received from her mother for reception at the orphanage, the more so
when she learns Hazel's name will be changed - although she is told why
it is necessary. She plans to send Hazel to Peg and Jem, who know more
about her birth mother and when bad boys Vince and Judd are caught
stealing to trade for a football she takes advantage of their situation
to further this plan..
During a stormy night Hetty entertains her friends with stories of
Joseph Twig, whose ghost allegedly haunts the orphanage tower. Next day
wealthy Mr and Mrs McCartney arrive and are desperate to adopt Polly,
who is the image of their late daughter. Matron is reluctant, claiming
that adoption is against the rules lest the birth parents return but is
swayed by the couple's generous donation. Hetty has her misgivings about
her friend going to strangers but gives in to Polly's own wishes when
matron agrees to give her Polly's new address - a promise she does not
keep. At...
Kindly Nurse Winterson smuggles a letter from Hetty to Jem but when he
arrives unexpectedly at the orphanage he has no news for Hetty regarding
her true mother. Vince and Judd steal the token left with Hetty at the
orphanage as a baby in the hopes of obtaining money to buy their
football but kitchen maid Ida steps in to make them retrieve it, thus
providing Hetty with a new friend whilst Matron is keen to be teacher
Cranborne's friend when she learns that, unless his missing cousin
Jasper reappears, he is an heir to the Earl of Ellerslie.