But Phyllis and Phœbe at once assumed, not without secret gladness, that the burthen of this responsibility would fall upon them. Oswald Sydenham was away in the heart of Africa; Lady Charlotte Sydenham was also abroad. She had telegraphed, “Unwell impossible to return to England six weeks continue children’s life as hitherto.” That seemed to promise a second sleeping partner in the business.
The sisters decided to continue The Ingle-Nook as the children’s home, and made the necessary arrangements with Mr. Sycamore, the family solicitor, to that end.
They discussed their charges very carefully and fully. Phyllis was for a meticulous observance of Arthur’s known or assumed “wishes,” but Phœbe took a broader view. Mary too pointed out the dangers of too literal an adhesion to precedent.
“We want everything to go on exactly as it did when they were alive,” said Phyllis to Mary.
“Things ’ave got to be different,” said Mary.
“Not if we can help it,” said Aunt Phyllis.
“They’ll grow,” said Mary after reflection.
Phœbe became eloquent in the evening.
“We are to have the advantages of maternity, Phyllis, without—without the degradation. It is a solemn trust. Blessed are we among women, Phyllis. I feel a Madonna. We are Madonnas, Phyllis. Modern Madonnas. Just Touched by the Wings of the Dove.... These little souls dropped from heaven upon our knees.... Poor Arthur! It is our task to guide his offspring to that high destiny he might have attained. Look, Phyllis!”
With her flat hand she indicated the long garden path that Dolly had planned.