Chapter XXXIV · Chapter 34

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

attach to

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

-ing form of “assist” — give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At length the party sealed up the chamber and returned to the dining-room, whither the clerk betook himself.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

a room used primarily for sleeping

From this reading “Now for this room,” said Fraisier, pointing to Schmucke’s bedroom, which opened into the dining-room.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At length the party sealed up the chamber and returned to the dining-room, whither the clerk betook himself.

perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

acting like a clown or buffoon

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

an occurrence of something

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

a formal event performed on a special occasion

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

a natural or artificial enclosed space

From this reading At length the party sealed up the chamber and returned to the dining-room, whither the clerk betook himself.

talk socially without exchanging too much information

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

plural of “comment” — a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

third-person singular of “consist” — originate

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

calm and unruffled self-assurance

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

a room used for dining

From this reading At length the party sealed up the chamber and returned to the dining-room, whither the clerk betook himself.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

one or the other of two

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

a social unit living together

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “Now for this room,” said Fraisier, pointing to Schmucke’s bedroom, which opened into the dining-room.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

third-person singular of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading At length the party sealed up the chamber and returned to the dining-room, whither the clerk betook himself.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading “Now for this room,” said Fraisier, pointing to Schmucke’s bedroom, which opened into the dining-room.

third-person singular of “involve” — connect closely and often incriminatingly

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

the quality of being just or fair

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

possessive form of “justice” — the quality of being just or fair

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading At length the party sealed up the chamber and returned to the dining-room, whither the clerk betook himself.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

at the same time but in another place

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

using (or as if using) mechanisms or tools or devices

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading “Now for this room,” said Fraisier, pointing to Schmucke’s bedroom, which opened into the dining-room.

plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading “Now for this room,” said Fraisier, pointing to Schmucke’s bedroom, which opened into the dining-room.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

the state of being in effect or being operative

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading At length the party sealed up the chamber and returned to the dining-room, whither the clerk betook himself.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

existing in great number or quantity

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

-ing form of “point” — indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively

From this reading “Now for this room,” said Fraisier, pointing to Schmucke’s bedroom, which opened into the dining-room.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading At length the party sealed up the chamber and returned to the dining-room, whither the clerk betook himself.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading “Now for this room,” said Fraisier, pointing to Schmucke’s bedroom, which opened into the dining-room.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Now for this room,” said Fraisier, pointing to Schmucke’s bedroom, which opened into the dining-room.

inflected form of “sink” — fall or descend to a lower place or level

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “Now for this room,” said Fraisier, pointing to Schmucke’s bedroom, which opened into the dining-room.

make tight; secure against leakage

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

established irrevocably

From this reading At length the party sealed up the chamber and returned to the dining-room, whither the clerk betook himself.

plural of “seal” — fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

past form of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

a long thin piece of cloth or paper as used for binding or fastening

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading “Now for this room,” said Fraisier, pointing to Schmucke’s bedroom, which opened into the dining-room.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

except if; if not

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading At length the party sealed up the chamber and returned to the dining-room, whither the clerk betook himself.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Schmucke, hearing such talk for the first time in his life, was completely bewildered by it; his head sank down upon the back of his chair--he could not support it, it had grown so heavy.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading Schmucke watched the mechanical operation which consists in setting the justice’s seal at either end of a bit of tape stretched across the opening of a folding-door; or, in the case of a cupboard or ordinary door, from edge to edge above the door-handle.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.

an old word meaning “to where”

From this reading At length the party sealed up the chamber and returned to the dining-room, whither the clerk betook himself.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Villemot meanwhile went off to chat with the justice of the peace and his clerk, assisting with professional coolness to affix the seals--a ceremony which always involves some buffoonery and plentiful comments on the objects thus secured, unless, indeed, one of the family happens to be present.