In the novel, 12-year-old Rabble Starkey's single mother Sweet-Hosanna is hired by the Bigelow family to take care of the children while Mrs. Bigelow is, due to crushing depression, unable to look after them herself.
In the story, 12-year-old Rabble Starkey's single mother Sweet-Hosanna is tasked with caring for the Bigelows' children while Mrs. Bigelow, experiencing intense depression, cannot handle their care.