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
