She tries to do her duty to them--she really does--in her own way.

And, of course, they _respect_ her.

No Dunstable has ever done anything disgraceful! Isn't there something in '_Noblesse oblige'?
Think_ of this woman at the head of that estate!" "Well, upon my word," said Doris, after a pause, "you _are_ feudal.
Don't you feel yourself that you are old-fashioned ?" Mrs.Meadows's half-sarcastic look at first intimidated her visitor, and then spurred her into further attempts to explain herself.
"I daresay it's old-fashioned," she said slowly, "but I'm sure it's what father would have felt.

Anyway, I went off to try and find out what I could.

I went first to a little club I belong to--for professional women--near the Strand, and I asked one or two women I found there--who know artists--and models--and write for papers.