ou; Mr。 Rivers; forbade me to perish of want at your door; and took me under the shelter of your roof。 I know all your sisters have done for me since—for I have not been insensible during my seeming torpor—and I owe to their spontaneous; genuine; genial passion as large a debt as to your evangelical charity。”
“Don’t make her talk any more now; St。 John;” said Diana; as I paused; “she is evidently not yet fit for excitement。 e to the sofa and sit down now; Miss Elliott。”
I gave an involuntary half start at hearing the alias: I had forgotten my new name。 Mr。 Rivers; whom nothing seemed to escape; noticed it at once。
“You said your name was Jane Elliott?” he observed。
“I did say so; and it is the name by which I think it expedient to be called at present; but it is not my real name; and when I hear it; it sounds strange to me。”
“Your real name you will not give?”
“No: I fear discovery above all things; and whatever disclosure would lead to it; I avoid。”
“You are quite right; I am sure;” said Diana。 “Now do; brother; let her be at peace a while。”
But when St。 John had mused a few moments he remenced as imperturbably and with as much acumen as ever。
“You would not like to be long dependent on our hospitality—you would wish; I see; to dispense as soon as may be with my sisters’ passion; and; above all; with my charity (I am quite sensible of the distinction drawn; nor do I resent it—it is just): you desire to be ind