Chapter XV

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

From this reading "Oh, good morning," said he, in a much milder tone, as he swung about in his revolving chair.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "Oh, good morning," said he, in a much milder tone, as he swung about in his revolving chair.

go together

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

plural of “agent” — an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

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

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading "Oh, good morning," said he, in a much milder tone, as he swung about in his revolving chair.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Have you brought the key so soon?"

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "What can I do for you?

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

From this reading "Oh, good morning," said he, in a much milder tone, as he swung about in his revolving chair.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "What can I do for you?

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

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

United States landscape architect who designed the grounds of the White House and the Capitol Building (1815-1852)

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

feeling or caused to feel ill at ease or self-conscious or ashamed

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

an opposing military force

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

opinion or judgment

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

record in a public office or in a court of law

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading "Oh, good morning," said he, in a much milder tone, as he swung about in his revolving chair.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Have you brought the key so soon?"

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

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

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

From this reading "Oh, good morning," said he, in a much milder tone, as he swung about in his revolving chair.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "What can I do for you?

being in captivity

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

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

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

and nothing more

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

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 Have you brought the key so soon?"

a landowner who leases to others

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

comparative of “mild” — moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme

From this reading "Oh, good morning," said he, in a much milder tone, as he swung about in his revolving chair.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading "Oh, good morning," said he, in a much milder tone, as he swung about in his revolving chair.

a form of address for a man

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region

From this reading "Oh, good morning," said he, in a much milder tone, as he swung about in his revolving chair.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

very light colored; highly diluted with white

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

with low volume

From this reading They waited quietly.

expressing reproof or reproach especially as a corrective

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

set aside for the use of a particular person or party

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

-ing form of “revolve” — turn on or around an axis or a center

From this reading "Oh, good morning," said he, in a much milder tone, as he swung about in his revolving chair.

past form of “roar” — make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Oh, good morning," said he, in a much milder tone, as he swung about in his revolving chair.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

struck with fear, dread, or consternation

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Have you brought the key so soon?"

in the near future

From this reading Have you brought the key so soon?"

a situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading "Oh, good morning," said he, in a much milder tone, as he swung about in his revolving chair.

causing extreme terror

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

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

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They waited quietly.

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

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading "Oh, good morning," said he, in a much milder tone, as he swung about in his revolving chair.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

not expected or anticipated

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

not welcome; not giving pleasure or received with pleasure

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

under normal conditions

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

precisely as stated

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

plural of “visitor” — someone who visits

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading They waited quietly.

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

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "What can I do for you?

at the time that

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

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

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

in the company of; together with

From this reading An Obdurate Landlord Twenty minutes later when Mr. Downing roared "_Come in_" in the terrifying voice he usually reserved for agents and other unexpected or unwelcome visitors, he was plainly very much surprised to see four pale girls with shocked, reproachful eyes file in and come to an embarrassed standstill just inside the office door, which closed of its own accord and left them imprisoned with the enemy.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "What can I do for you?