R. was neglected by her mother, so an elderly woman took her in out of pity. The woman became very short of money and was about go into an almshouse. R. went into the Lampson Home in Dulwich, South London in 1893. She went into service in 1896. She had several different posts although she briefly returned to the Society's homes on two occasions. She was reported as stealing, lying and being irresponsible. In 1901 she ran away with a gentleman acquaintance of her employer.
