Chapter 29: The Kindness of StrangersI slept the whole day in that little house.
When I woke up, the room was quiet except for the sound of the fire.
A young woman sat beside me, smiling kindly.
“Are you feeling better now?” she asked softly. Her name was Diana, the sister of the man who owned the house.
She told me that she and her sister Mary had taken me in.
The owner of the house was St. John, a young clergyman.
All three were kind, polite, and treated me with respect. They did not ask where I came from or look down on me.
I told them my name was “Jane Elliott,” a name I made up.
St. John said I could stay there until I regained my strength.
I felt a peace and safety I had not known in a long time. A few days later, I could walk and help with small chores.
Diana and Mary enjoyed talking with me, and we became friends.
St. John was quieter, but there was thoughtfulness in his eyes.
He often watched me, as if trying to guess who I truly was. I began to grow stronger and feel hope return to my life.
In the home of strangers, I no longer felt like a wanderer.
Their kindness was like sunlight warming my broken heart.
I did not yet know that this meeting would change my destiny. | 
