At ages nine, eight, and seven these girls didn't have to be told the world was dangerous. They knew from their mother's worried face and how she said it would be only for a short while but they had to be good, no trouble to anyone, and spend their days locked safely in the room rented from Frau Becker-a tight white room with a bed, a chamber pot, some crates that served as table and chairs, one high shelf, a plain wooden crucifix, and the necessary nearness of sisters.