Chapter IV · Chapter 4

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

a church associated with a monastery or convent

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He talked a great deal about her taking her place as mistress of the house, yet he made little attempt to have this position recognised.

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

recognize with gratitude; be grateful for

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading He talked a great deal about her taking her place as mistress of the house, yet he made little attempt to have this position recognised.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

a young person of either sex

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

deem to be

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

carefully weighed

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading He talked a great deal about her taking her place as mistress of the house, yet he made little attempt to have this position recognised.

(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

open to doubt or suspicion

From this reading Her uncle seemed a little doubtful how to treat her.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

divisible by two

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

set up or found

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He talked a great deal about her taking her place as mistress of the house, yet he made little attempt to have this position recognised.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He talked a great deal about her taking her place as mistress of the house, yet he made little attempt to have this position recognised.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

a woman host

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading He talked a great deal about her taking her place as mistress of the house, yet he made little attempt to have this position recognised.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Her uncle seemed a little doubtful how to treat her.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading He talked a great deal about her taking her place as mistress of the house, yet he made little attempt to have this position recognised.

an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man

From this reading He talked a great deal about her taking her place as mistress of the house, yet he made little attempt to have this position recognised.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

a daughter of your brother or sister

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

on one occasion

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

and nothing more

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading He talked a great deal about her taking her place as mistress of the house, yet he made little attempt to have this position recognised.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading He talked a great deal about her taking her place as mistress of the house, yet he made little attempt to have this position recognised.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

make believe with the intent to deceive

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

on the contrary

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

provided with a secure reputation

From this reading He talked a great deal about her taking her place as mistress of the house, yet he made little attempt to have this position recognised.

(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Her uncle seemed a little doubtful how to treat her.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

term of address for a man

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading He talked a great deal about her taking her place as mistress of the house, yet he made little attempt to have this position recognised.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading He talked a great deal about her taking her place as mistress of the house, yet he made little attempt to have this position recognised.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading He talked a great deal about her taking her place as mistress of the house, yet he made little attempt to have this position recognised.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Her uncle seemed a little doubtful how to treat her.

interact in a certain way

From this reading Her uncle seemed a little doubtful how to treat her.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading Her uncle seemed a little doubtful how to treat her.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

at the time that

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

at any time that; every time that

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

in contrast with the fact that

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

during the time that

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

which person or people

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

disposed or inclined toward

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

inflected form of “withdraw” — pull back or move away or backward

From this reading He seemed rather relieved whenever Barbara withdrew herself from the general company, as she constantly did, and those who knew Sir John best found him more natural when his niece was not present.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL Although Barbara Lanison had found that life at the Abbey was different since her return from London, and had concluded that the true reason lay in the fact that she was now considered a woman, whereas before she had been looked upon as a child only, she did not at once appreciate how great the difference really was.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The guests, especially the women, while quite willing to admit her as one of themselves, did not even pretend to consider her their hostess, and, on the whole, Sir John seemed quite contented that they should not do so.

but in spite of that

From this reading He talked a great deal about her taking her place as mistress of the house, yet he made little attempt to have this position recognised.