I'd also like to add a picture of two sister who just happen to be great aunts of mine. They look as if they were being punish, yet they huddle close together for comfort.
I love those precious portraits... used to have some of my own. Uniquely, your aunts do look rather sad or scared, but I believe, back in the day, picture taking was serious business, and people just didn't smile for it.
Kruu - Yes, most of the old photos of this era are serious, but those down turned lips seem extra somber and sad. If they were typical kids they probably got a good yelling at to sit down and be still.