Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

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

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

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

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

disposed or placed in a particular kind of order

From this reading "Have you arranged everything, Mistress Endicott?" asked Editha, speaking in a whisper.

on or to one side

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading "Have you arranged everything, Mistress Endicott?" asked Editha, speaking in a whisper.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

past form of “beckon” — signal with the hands or nod

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "Perfectly," said the woman, with perceptible hesitation, "but ..."

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

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

past form of “drown” — cover completely or make imperceptible

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

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

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

in an effectual manner

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

born in England; in 1629 he became the founder of the Massachusetts Bay Colony (1588-1665)

From this reading "Have you arranged everything, Mistress Endicott?" asked Editha, speaking in a whisper.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading "Have you arranged everything, Mistress Endicott?" asked Editha, speaking in a whisper.

elaborately or excessively ornamented

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "Have you arranged everything, Mistress Endicott?" asked Editha, speaking in a whisper.

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

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

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

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

indecision in speech or action

From this reading "Perfectly," said the woman, with perceptible hesitation, "but ..."

loud confused noise from many sources

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

sing with closed lips

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

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

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

plural of “instrument” — a device that requires skill for proper use

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

the action of people mingling and coming into contact

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

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

From this reading "Have you arranged everything, Mistress Endicott?" asked Editha, speaking in a whisper.

a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

not any; not one

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

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

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading "Everything, mistress," replied the other.

capable of being perceived by the mind or senses

From this reading "Perfectly," said the woman, with perceptible hesitation, "but ..."

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading "Perfectly," said the woman, with perceptible hesitation, "but ..."

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading "Everything, mistress," replied the other.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Perfectly," said the woman, with perceptible hesitation, "but ..."

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

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading "Have you arranged everything, Mistress Endicott?" asked Editha, speaking in a whisper.

past form of “string” — thread on or as if on a string

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

in a softened tone

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

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

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

in or at that place or location

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

a speech of violent denunciation

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

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

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

third-person singular of “understand” — know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading "Endicott understands?"

characteristic of a virgin or virginity

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

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

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

in or at the place that

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords

From this reading "Have you arranged everything, Mistress Endicott?" asked Editha, speaking in a whisper.

which person or people

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

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

From this reading A CONFLICT In the hubbub which immediately followed Lord Walterton's tirade, Editha de Chavasse beckoned to the florid woman--who seemed to be her henchwoman--and drew her aside to a distant corner of the room, where there were no tables nigh and where the now subdued hum of the voices, mingling with the sound of music on virginal and stringed instruments, made a murmuring noise which effectually drowned the talk between the two women.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Have you arranged everything, Mistress Endicott?" asked Editha, speaking in a whisper.