She would be responsible.
"We can't leave him here, at any rate," she remarked to Turner.
Turner agreed.

As well abandon a month-old baby on a doorstep and expect it to earn its livelihood.

She also had come to take a proprietary interest in Septimus.
"He might stay with us in Nunsmere.

What do you think, Turner ?" "I think, ma'am," said Turner, "that would be the least improper arrangement." "He can have Cousin Jane's room," mused Zora, knowing that Cousin Jane would fly at her approach.
"And I'll see, ma'am, that he comes down to his meals regular," said Turner.
"Then it's settled," said Zora.
She went forthwith to the invalid and acquainted him with his immediate destiny.

At first he resisted.