"Do you mean to say," he asked, "that you are completely isolated
from every connection?"
"I do. Not a tie links me to any living thing: not a claim do I
possess to admittance under any roof in England."
"A most singular position at your age!"
Here I saw his glance directed to my hands, which were folded on
the table before me. I wondered what he sought there: his words
soon explained the quest.