I passed my time as I best could.

Stretched on my bed, I either abandoned myself to reflection, or listened to the voices of the birds in the neighbouring garden.

Sometimes, as I lay awake at night, I would endeavour to catch the tick of a clock, which methought sounded from some distant part of the house.
The old man visited me twice or thrice every day to inquire into my state.

His words were few on these occasions, and he did not stay long.
Yet his voice and his words were kind.

What surprised me most in connection with this individual was the delicacy of conduct which he exhibited in not letting a word proceed from his lips which could testify curiosity respecting who I was, or whence I came.