Inmates of Seacliff

In the early days I looked with pity and curiosity and wonder upon the few patients in the observation ward who would be there “forever” – Mrs. Pilling, Mrs. Everett who, as an inexperienced overwrought young mother, had murdered her little girl; Miss Dennis, slight, sharp tongued, with neatly rolled grey hair, whose days were devoted to “doing out” the Charge Room at the Nurses’ Home, polishing the silver and the water glasses and the fruit dishes of the illustrious white-veiled sisters; and the few other permanent patients who comprised those who knew the rules and could explain them – how when you were well enough you were given limited parole.

Faces in the Water, Janet Frame, p.58