Dorothy Whipple's writing reveals an acute awareness of normally invisible work, the sort that kept impoverished women out of the workhouse. In an act of charity, Rachel invites the lonely, embittered Kate to Greenbanks to live with her and work as her companion. In this situation which is uncomfortable for both, Kate's only forms of personal and creative expression are choosing the colourful, tasteful decor for her room and her exceptional needlework in which a "design of great twisted stems of wistaria blossoms grew rapidly under her fingers". Sadly, though, she was would have been unable to make a living from her artistry.