Who is Hilda Grossman from Drowning Ruth and what is their importance?

Hilda is Carl Neumann's cousin. Hilda joins Carl's household to help him care for his three-year-old daughter. She is described as a strict, serious woman, who sorely lacks any sense of humor. Ruth, Carl's daughter, dislikes her immensely. Hilda, on the other hand, calls Ruth a devil child.