This request, he said, might appear singular to me, but he had his reasons for making it, which it was not necessary, at present, to disclose, though, when I should know them, I should readily acknowledge their validity.
I scarcely knew what answer to make.

I was willing to oblige him.

I was far from expecting that any exigence would occur, making disclosure my duty.

The employment was productive of pain more than of pleasure, and the curiosity that would uselessly seek a knowledge of my past life was no less impertinent than the loquacity that would uselessly communicate that knowledge.

I readily promised, therefore, to adhere to his advice.
This assurance afforded him evident satisfaction; yet it did not seem to amount to quite as much as he wished.