Sentence:  Both my ability to comprehend what is being said [in French] and my ability to fake comprehension have improved expeditiously. Monsieur holds the door open for me as we step inside his <WSD>bureau</WSD>. No one looks up as we enter. He offers me a seat, and when I fail to take it he returns to my side of the desk [...]. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  An office (room where clerical or professional duties are performed).