The subject was extraordinary; and any one whose experience or reflections could throw any light upon it, was entitled to my gratitude.

As this man was enlightened by reading and travel, I listened with eagerness to the remarks which he should make.
At first, I entertained a kind of apprehension, that the tale would be heard by him with incredulity and secret ridicule.

I had formerly heard stories that resembled this in some of their mysterious circumstances, but they were, commonly, heard by me with contempt.

I was doubtful, whether the same impression would not now be made on the mind of our guest; but I was mistaken in my fears.
He heard them with seriousness, and without any marks either of surprize or incredulity.

He pursued, with visible pleasure, that kind of disquisition which was naturally suggested by them.