b. 4 July 1851. d. 4 December 1904. Nationality: English. VIAF.
Poet, short story writer, and novelist. Pseudonym: “Adeline.” Daughter of short story
writer Jane Sergeant. Born in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Educated at Queen’s College,
London, and the University of Cambridge. Author of *Poems* (1866) published under
her pseudonym. Joined the Church of England in 1870 and converted to Catholicism in
1899. Employed briefly as a governess for a family in Kent. Staff writer for the *People’s
Friend* (1885-1887) and contributed for the rest of her life. Author of several novels
including *Esther Denison* (1889). Travelled to Jamaica, Egypt, and Palestine in her
lifetime. Never married. Member of the Fabian Society and on the committee of the
Somerville Club for Women. Suffragist and philanthropist who was with concerned with
the lives and welfare of working-class girls. Biographical information: *ODNB*. (CC)