used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
Areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
ascendedverbUS /əˈsendɪd/
past form of “ascend” — travel up
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
assistverbUS /əˈsɪst/
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
basementnounUS /ˈbeɪsmənt/
the lowermost portion of a structure partly or wholly below ground level; often used for storage
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
Bobs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
containingverbUS /kənˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
conveyverbUS /kənˈveɪ/
(of information) make known; pass on
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
in a manner differing from the usual or expected
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
well in the past; former
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
Dolittle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
envelopenounUS /ˈenvəloʊp/
a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
set up or found
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
franklyadverbUS /ˈfræŋkli/
(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
a young female
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
destroyed or killed
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
the quality of being important and worthy of note
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
janitress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
mysteriouslyadverbUS /ˌmɪˈstɪriəsli/
in a cryptic manner
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
on one occasion
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
painstakinglyadverbUS /ˈpeɪnsteɪkɪŋli/
in a fastidious and painstaking manner
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
prepareverbUS /priˈper/
make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
make a promise or commitment
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
established beyond doubt
From this reading This it proved to be.
filled with bewilderment
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
Roberta
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
in the near future
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
stairwaynounUS /ˈsterweɪ/
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
having a supporting base
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This it proved to be.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
an act of traveling by water
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
look attentively
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
which person or people
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
in the company of; together with
From this reading Down into the well of a stairway she disappeared, soon to return with an envelope containing something hard, which felt as though it might be a key.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Bobs replied that she was, and the large woman, in a manner which plainly told that she had a message of importance to convey, whispered mysteriously, "Wait here!"
the act of creating written works
From this reading The writing in the letter had been painstakingly made, but the language was not English, and Bobs looked at it with so frankly puzzled an expression that the woman, who had been standing near, watching curiously, asked: "Can I read it for you?"
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading True to her promise Roberta had gone on the following afternoon to assist her new friends to prepare for their voyage, but to her amazement she found that they had departed, but the janitress living in the basement was on the watch for the girl and at once she ascended the stone stairs and inquired: "Are you Miss Dolittle?"
