Sublime

‘This is Thomas,’ said Grace, without explanation. She stood close by the boy with the ease of long acquaintance, and seemed to Thomas they were in some way ranged against him – that it was possible to make out some connective tissue dissolving between himself and Grace, and re-forming between the other two.

Julia and Avis were cosmopolitan women who traveled widely, read extensively, and moved in diverse political, intellectual, and social circles. They had many acquaintances in common and frequently referred to public figures and friends by their first names or initials.

Names ending in an “a,” often with a foreign derivation, had become popular in England; “Julia” and “Louisa,” which Jane Austen herself uses as character names, both first came into use there in the eighteenth century and were still not very common.

Susan Cornelia Clarke Warren,

“You fence?” Helen asked, her head still down. “I do, my lady. Fencing is an excellent sport for ladies—it develops strength, posture, and proper breathing.” Helen liked the woman more and more. “I think you’re fascinating.” Dr. Gibson responded with a surprised little laugh. “How nice you are. I’m afraid you’ve disappointed my expectations: I thou

Helene Wright was an impressive woman, at least in Medallion she was. Heavy hair in a bun, dark eyes arched in a perpetual query about other people’s manners. A woman who won all social battles with presence and a conviction of the legitimacy of her authority.