"Of course, that will be an advantage to them. But what on
earth's to become of them in the meanwhile? Heaven knows what Hattie
will develop into if she isn't taken in hand. She refuses to have
trimming on her underclothes now, and wears boy's shoes. As for
Constance! I've quite despaired of getting hold of her. She's simply
running wild, making no social connections whatever. What they really
need, Cousin John, is a mother."
"I must try to look after them more," the Doctor said, somewhat
helplessly. "Have you seen them recently?"
"I came by there this morning. They were all well, I suppose; Connie
was at the Ivy's as usual, and Hattie at school. What a savage
creature your new cook, Myrtella, is. I believe she is an anarchist!
She opened the door only a crack, and when I asked her how the young
ladies were, she said she was sure she didn't know, that she hadn't
asked them."
"And Bertie, did you see Bertie?"
"Yes, he was with her. Had a dirty piece of dough in his hands which
he said was going to be a cake. I must say she seems good to Bertie,
but I would not tolerate her impertinence for a moment."
"Myrtella carries concealed virtues," said the Doctor.
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