Almost certainly a young woman who was unfortunate enough to have an illegitimate child.
You might find the answer in the census records.
Bovey Tracey 1870
The DEVON HOUSE OF MERCY, for reclaiming fallen women, was established here in 1861, and was formally opened in a temporary residence in 1863; the foundation stone of the present building was laid by the Earl of Devon in 1865; it contains accommodation for 72 inmates, and is supported by voluntary contributions; the members of the Clew sisterhood have the management of it.
Devon House of Mercy for Reception of Fallen Women - The Bishop of Exeter, visitor; the Hon. And Rev. C.L. Courtenay, warden: Rev. F. Ensor, hon. Secretary
1902 entry
Devon House of Mercy, The Bishop of Exeter, visitor ; the Archdeacon of Barnstaple, warden ; Rev. Charles- John Penrice B.A. sub-warden ; Rev. Prebendary Harry- Tudor M.A. hon. sec. ; Henry T. Ferguson esq. & E. Harding esq.
2009 Investigations into Abuse by RC Church institutions run by priests and nuns -includes Sisters of Mercy,
Very similar to the Roman Catholic nuns etc of the Magdelen laundries which exploited young girls who had illegitimate children in Ireland.
The chap who was looking for his great grandmother might know more I can ask him.