The Borrowers - Classic Tale - By Mary Norton

Literature Vocabulary

Thick cushion used as a seat or leg rest.

Hassock 
"Where's your work child?", asked Mrs. May one day, when Kate sat hunched and silent upon a hassock.

Rheumatic
"He wasn't a very strong little boy: the first time he came home from India he got rheumatic fever.."

A woman who cares for and instructs a child in a household

Governess
"... You see, on the way back to India my brother and I had to share a cabin - my sister used to sleep with the governess -..."