Final answer:
The correct answer about Verna's childhood in the 'Stone Mattress' story is that it was marked by hardship and struggle, as indicated by the emotional turmoil described in the provided passages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passages provided about Verna's childhood indicate that her early years were marked by difficulties and emotional turmoil rather than joy and happiness. For instance, one passage describes her seeking refuge from her own home where she witnessed her mother's sadness and her father's rage.
Another discusses how she felt no fear or pangs of separation when taken from her different home, hinting at a lack of emotional connection usually present in a happy childhood. Therefore, the answer to what we know about Verna's childhood from the 'Stone Mattress' story is b) Verna's childhood was marked by hardship and struggle.