They both come from poor and poverty-stricken families
they are both humble and polite
they are both struggling to keep their property/land
It means, for example if I say, "I go to the park every now and then", then it isn't a common event, but happens often enough not to be classified as a rarity.
I could scarcely "contain" - <span>to keep under proper control; restrain:</span><span>(Example) He could not contain his <span>amusement.
*Note* already within the first eight words you can indicate phycotic feelings
"and he not even to dream of my secret deeds or thoughts"
(Definitions of "secret")
1. </span></span>faithful or cautious in keeping confidential matters confidential; close-mouthed; <span>reticent.
2. </span>done, made, or conducted without the knowledge of others:<span>secret <span>negotiations.
Conclusion </span></span>statement:
Edgar Allan. Poe is mentally psychotic, thought the whole short passage he basically supports my own theory for himself.
(Dictionary was used in the making of this answer)