Before I knew where I was I found myself subjected to a close and merciless cross-examination.

My youth, my college career, my subsequent adventures seemed all to be subjects of interest to him, and I, although every moment my bewilderment increased, answered him with the obedience of a schoolboy.
It came to an end at last.

I found myself confronted with a question which, if I had answered it truthfully, must have disclosed my penniless condition.

I rose instead to my feet.
"Your Grace will excuse me," I said, "but I am taking up too much of your time.

It is not possible that these small personal details can be of any interest to you." He waved me back to my chair, which I did not, however, immediately resume.