How often I longed to be a little more like these, equal to men in achievements of the body, and very far beyond them in questions of the mind! However, it was useless to regret my lacks, and foolish, perhaps, to think of them.

To do my very best with what little gifts I had was more to the purpose and more sensible.

Taking in lonely perplexity now this dim yet exciting view of things, I resolved, right or wrong, to abide at the place where the only chance was of pursuing my search.

I was pledged, as perhaps has been said before, to keep from every one excepting faithful Betsy, and above all from Lord Castlewood, the unexpected little tale wrung out of Mr.Stixon.That promise had been given without any thought, in my eagerness to hear every thing, and probably some people would have thought of it no more.

But the trusty butler was so scared when I asked him to release me from it, so penitent also at his own indiscretion, which never would have overcome him (as he said in the morning) only for the thunder-storm, that instead of getting off, I was quite obliged to renew and confirm my assurances.
Therefore, in truth, I had no chance left but to go back to Shoxford and do my best, meeting all dark perils with the shield of right spread over me.