I had never traced them into their practical consequences, and if his conduct on this occasion had not squared with his maxims, I should not have imputed to him inconsistency.

I did not ponder on these reasonings at this time: objects of immediate importance engrossed my thoughts.
One obstacle to this measure was removed.

When my voyage was performed how should I subsist in my new abode?
I concealed not my perplexity and he commented on it in his usual manner.

How did I mean to subsist, he asked, in my own country?
The means of living would be, at least, as much within my reach there as here.

As to the pressure of immediate and absolute want, he believed I should be exposed to little hazard.
With talents such as mine, I must be hunted by a destiny peculiarly malignant, if I could not provide myself with necessaries wherever my lot were cast.
He would make allowances, however, for my diffidence and self-distrust, and would obviate my fears by expressing his own intentions with regard to me.