I did not mean that, like Swedenborg and Mohammed, I have made excursions to Paradise.

I merely meant that I once spent ten years of such serene happiness as it seldom falls to the lot of man to enjoy.

But to return to our subject.

You would like to know more of my past; but as it would not be satisfactory to tell you an incomplete history, and to tell you all--Yet why not?
I have done nothing that I am ashamed of; and it is well you should know something of the man whose life you have saved once, and may possibly save again.

You are trustworthy, straightforward, and vigilant, and albeit you are not overburdened with intelligence--" Here Mr.Fortescue paused, as if to reflect; and, though the observation was not very flattering--hardly civil, indeed--I was so anxious to hear this story that I took it in good part, and waited patiently for his decision.
"To relate it _viva voce_" he went on, thoughtfully, "would be troublesome to both of us." "I am sure I should find it anything but troublesome." "Well, I should.