And, in one sense, Phillis did her duty.

Physically, no children could be better cared for than the little Greys.

They were always well washed, well clad, and, in a certain external sense, well managed.

The "rod in pickle," which Phillis always kept in the nursery, maintained a form of outward discipline and even manners, so far as Phillis knew what manners meant; morals too, in Phillis's style of morality.

Beyond that Phillis's own will--strong and obstinate as it was--made laws for itself, which the children were obliged to obey.