Who is Vera Ellis / Mrs. Joseph Hanson from Stern Men and what is their importance?

The daughter of tycoon Dr. Jules Ellis of Concord, NH, Vera becomes the virtual slave-owner of protagonist Ruth Thomas' grandmother and mother. As a young girl who endures too much time with brothers, Vera demands a sister and on her tenth birthday is presented orphan Jane Smith as a twin sister. Vera keeps Jane busy attending to her extensive wardrobe. Photographs show homely Vera wearing a look of exquisite boredom. Placid Jane accompanies Vera everywhere as a handmaid but, as a legal relative, is paid no salary for her efforts. In 1905, Vera marries a Bostonian, Joseph Hanson, who joins the household. They have no children but maintain a heavy social schedule, which keeps Jane busy serving. When Jane bears an illegitimate daughter, Mary, by an Italian quarryman, her labors are not eased and, when Jane drowns, Vera feels abandoned and prepares year-old baby Mary as a substitute servant.