a christening: a ceremony of baptism

Anabaptist: a radical Christian sect that saw christening as a confirmation of faith so deemed it inappropriate for infants and supported adult baptism, instead

apoplexy: a fit of extreme anger that causes death; a stroke

bunburying: inventing a false person to allow one to leave one's own unpleasant situation

credulity: tending to believe too quickly

effrontery: presumptuousness

Egeria: a Roman nymph who advised a king; any female advisor

Gorgon: in Greek mythology, the three sisters including Medusa who had snakes for hair; here, an ugly or terrifying woman

horticultural: having to do with a garden

lorgnette: a pair of eyeglasses with a handle

misanthrope: one who hates people

perambulator: baby carriage

portmanteau: a large, hinged leather suitcase

quixotic: idealistic without being pratical; seeking something unattainable

salver: tray for serving food and/or drinks

smart: well-dressed

the Club: private location where men gather together to drink, discuss politics, gossip, and smoke

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