Rose and her stepmother, Flo, live in Hanratty-across the bridge from the "good" part of town. Rose, alternately fascinated and appalled by the rude energy of the people around her, grows up nursing her hope of outgrowing her humble beginnings and plotting an escape to university. Rose makes her escape and thinks herself free. But Hanratty's question -- Who do you think you are? -- rings in her ears during her days in Vancouver, mocks her attempts to make her marriage successful, and haunts her new career.

Also published under the title: The beggar maid: stories of Flo and Rose.

Royal beatings -- Privilege -- Half a grapefruit -- Wild swans -- The beggar maid -- Mischief -- Providence -- Simon's luck --Spelling -- Who do you think you are?.