Somehow, now that I had once crossed the threshold of this house, and once was brought face to face with its owners, I felt no longer outcast, vagrant, and disowned by the wide world. I dared to put off the mendicant⁠—to resume my natural manner and character. I began once more to know myself; and when Mr. St. John demanded an account⁠—which at present I was far too weak to render⁠—I said after a brief pause⁠—

“Sir, I can give you no details tonight.”

“But what, then,” said he, “do you expect me to do for you?”

“Nothing,” I replied. My strength sufficed for but short answers. Diana took the word⁠—

“Do you mean,” she asked, “that we have now given you what aid you require? and that we may dismiss you to the moor and the rainy night?”