(Here and in the following chapters, difficult words and phrases, as well as allusions and historical references, are explained.)
Jesuit a member of the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic religious order for men, founded by Ignatius Loyola in 1534.
Wassermann Test a test to diagnose syphilis by determining the presence of syphilitic antibodies in the blood serum; devised by August von Wasserman (1866-1925), German bacteriologist.
parsonage the dwelling provided by a church for its minister.
rayon any of various textile fibers synthetically produced and woven or knitted into fabrics.
estuarial of an estuary, an inlet or arm of the sea; especially the lower portion or wide mouth of a river, where the salty tide meets the freshwater current.
sampan a small boat used in China and Japan usually propelled with a scull from the stern and often having a sail and a small cabin formed of mats.
prefectural government rule by various administrative officials.
incendiary causing or designed to cause fires, as certain substances, bombs, and so on.
piecework work paid for at a fixed rate (piece rate) per piece of work done; in this case for sewing and mending.
hedonistic having to do with pleasure.
piling a long, thick piece of wood, metal, or stone used in building; here the base of the house that extends out over the river.
Society of Jesus See Jesuit.
xenophobic fear of strangers or foreigners.
terminus either end of a transportation line, or a station or town located there; terminal.
