matron

That matron, like most Grecian women, was ignorant of her own written language.

Never ought so worthy, so valuable a matron to be lost to the world.

She reported to the matron that Mary was not neat and quarrelled all the time.

And the matron—not Miss Coffin, but the other one—called me 'Maggie.'

Then Sister Allworthy whispered to the matron, who said, "Bring her in."

On a morning in August the matron's report had closed with a startling item.

The matron whispered to the messenger, and he left the room.

The matron was sitting sideways at her table, with her dog snarling in her lap.

After all, he is only a porter; you asked for the matron, didn't you?

John asked for the matron, and was received with constrained and distant courtesy.