The ladies had never seen him so interested in an amateur. Usually his manner was remarkable for its detachment and severe assurance; but it seemed that this case excited even him. Lady Laura was filled again with sudden compunction.
“ Mr. Vincent,” she said, “do you really think there is no danger for this boy?”
He glanced up at her.
“There is always danger,” he said. “We know that well enough. We can but take precautions. But pioneers always have to risk something.”
She was not reassured.
“But I mean special danger. He is extraordinarily sensitive, you know. There was that girl from Surbiton. …”
“Oh! she was exceptionally hysterical. Mr. Baxter’s not like that. I do not see that he runs any greater risk than we run ourselves.”
“You are sure of that?”
He smiled deprecatingly.
“I am sure of nothing,” he said. “But if you feel you would sooner not—”
Mrs. Stapleton rustled excitedly, and Lady Laura grabbed at her retreating opportunity.
“No, no,” she cried. “I didn’t mean that for one moment. Please, please come here. I only wondered whether there was any particular precaution—”
“I will think about it,” said the medium. “But I am sure we must be careful not to shock him. Of course, we don’t all take the same view