Chapter XI · Chapter 11

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

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

be able to spare or give up

From this reading But the court was deserted, apparently, though there were somber shadows ranging the enclosing walls that would afford concealment for Harlan, had he succeeded in gaining entrance.

later than; following

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading But beyond the door all was silence.

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

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

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

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

from appearances alone

From this reading But the court was deserted, apparently, though there were somber shadows ranging the enclosing walls that would afford concealment for Harlan, had he succeeded in gaining entrance.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading As she stepped out of the doorway she peered intently around.

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

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

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

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading But beyond the door all was silence.

the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But beyond the door all was silence.

the act of closing something

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

the condition of being concealed or hidden

From this reading But the court was deserted, apparently, though there were somber shadows ranging the enclosing walls that would afford concealment for Harlan, had he succeeded in gaining entrance.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading But the court was deserted, apparently, though there were somber shadows ranging the enclosing walls that would afford concealment for Harlan, had he succeeded in gaining entrance.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading But the court was deserted, apparently, though there were somber shadows ranging the enclosing walls that would afford concealment for Harlan, had he succeeded in gaining entrance.

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

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

the entrance (the space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building; the space that a door can close

From this reading As she stepped out of the doorway she peered intently around.

the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

the act of enclosing something inside something else

From this reading But the court was deserted, apparently, though there were somber shadows ranging the enclosing walls that would afford concealment for Harlan, had he succeeded in gaining entrance.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading But the court was deserted, apparently, though there were somber shadows ranging the enclosing walls that would afford concealment for Harlan, had he succeeded in gaining entrance.

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

plural of “fastening” — restraint that attaches to something or holds something in place

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

in fear

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

-ing form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading But the court was deserted, apparently, though there were somber shadows ranging the enclosing walls that would afford concealment for Harlan, had he succeeded in gaining entrance.

be shiny, as if wet

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

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

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

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

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

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

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

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

From this reading But the court was deserted, apparently, though there were somber shadows ranging the enclosing walls that would afford concealment for Harlan, had he succeeded in gaining entrance.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

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

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

with strained or eager attention

From this reading As she stepped out of the doorway she peered intently around.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

someone who intrudes on the privacy or property of another without permission

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

United States anthropologist who studied the Seneca (1818-1881)

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

not divisible by two

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading As she stepped out of the doorway she peered intently around.

relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

above and across; more than

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

past form of “peer” — look searchingly

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

compacted by ironing

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

wandering freely

From this reading But the court was deserted, apparently, though there were somber shadows ranging the enclosing walls that would afford concealment for Harlan, had he succeeded in gaining entrance.

a calm, lengthy, intent consideration

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

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

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

past form of “seize” — take hold of; grab

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading But the court was deserted, apparently, though there were somber shadows ranging the enclosing walls that would afford concealment for Harlan, had he succeeded in gaining entrance.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading But beyond the door all was silence.

inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

lacking brightness or color; dull

From this reading But the court was deserted, apparently, though there were somber shadows ranging the enclosing walls that would afford concealment for Harlan, had he succeeded in gaining entrance.

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

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading As she stepped out of the doorway she peered intently around.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading But the court was deserted, apparently, though there were somber shadows ranging the enclosing walls that would afford concealment for Harlan, had he succeeded in gaining entrance.

express in words

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

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

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

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

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading But the court was deserted, apparently, though there were somber shadows ranging the enclosing walls that would afford concealment for Harlan, had he succeeded in gaining entrance.

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

From this reading But beyond the door all was silence.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading But the court was deserted, apparently, though there were somber shadows ranging the enclosing walls that would afford concealment for Harlan, had he succeeded in gaining entrance.

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

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading THE INTRUDER After closing the door through which she had entered, Barbara Morgan slipped the fastenings into place and stood, an ear pressed against the door, listening for sounds that would tell her Harlan had followed her.

inclined to yield to argument or influence or control

From this reading Breathing fast, yielding to the panic of fear that had seized her, over the odd light she had seen in Harlan's eyes--a gleam, that to her, seemed to have been a reflection of some evil passion in the man's heart--she ran through the dark room she had entered, opened a door that led to the _patio_, and peered fearfully outward, as though she half expected to see Harlan there.