# Visitors at the Office explained — Psmith, Journalist

> Chapter companion for Psmith, Journalist by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

Psmith sees Mike off to Philadelphia, then heads to the Cosy Moments office where he finds a group of angry contributors—including Mr. Asher, Rev. Philpotts, and Waterman—waiting for the editor. Pugsy Maloney explains he could not stop them from barging in. Psmith decides to handle the situation with his diplomatic smile and honeyed words, noting it is fortunate Billy Windsor is out.

## Themes in this chapter

### Journalism and Power

Psmith's handling of the angry contributors highlights the tension between journalistic ambition and the backlash from those exposed.

### Courage and Risk

Psmith calmly faces a room full of hostile visitors, relying on diplomacy rather than confrontation.

## Character check-ins

### Psmith

Sees Mike off at the ferry, then goes to the office to face the angry contributors.

### Mike

Leaves for Philadelphia with the team; Psmith sees him off.

### Pugsy Maloney

Reports to Psmith about the group of angry contributors waiting in the inner room.

### Billy Windsor

Out to lunch; Psmith notes it's fortunate he is not present.

### B. Henderson Asher

Among the angry contributors waiting in the office.

### Rev. Edwin T. Philpotts

Among the angry contributors waiting in the office.

## Key lines

> Dey was hoppin’ mad, de whole bunch of dem.

They were all extremely angry.

_Pugsy describes the mood of the waiting contributors._

> I fancy that with the aid of the Diplomatic Smile and the Honeyed Word I may manage to pull through.

I think I can get through this by being charming and diplomatic.

_Psmith's confident plan to defuse the situation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/vii-visitors-at-the-office
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_journalist_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters