'Though I have been smitten down, though I lie here like a log, I have a mind to think and to plan; and I am not afraid to meet danger, face to face.

Are you telling me the truth, Steadman?
Have there been no visits concealed from me, no letters kept from me since I have been ill ?' 'I am telling you nothing but the truth, my lady.

No letter has been kept from you; no visitor has been to this house whose coming you have not been told of.' 'Then I am content,' said her ladyship, with a sigh of relief.
After this there followed some conversation upon business matters.

James Steadman was trusted with the entire management of the dowager's income, the investment of her savings.

His honesty was above all suspicion.