astonishment she saw me. I will not tell you all that she said, just now. She was in a terrible state, though she did not know one-tenth of the harm—Well, after what she told me I went round straight to Mitre Court. The porter was inclined not to let me in. Well, I went in, and straight into Mr. Baxter’s bedroom; and I found there—”
He stopped.
“Yes?”
“I found exactly what I had feared, and expected.”
“Oh! tell me quickly,” she cried, wheeling on him in anger.
He looked at her as if critically for a moment.
Then he went on abruptly.
“I found Mr. Baxter in bed. I made no apology at all. I said simply that I had come to see how he was after the séance.”
“It took place, then—”
“Oh! yes. … I forgot to mention that Lady Laura would pay no attention to me yesterday. … Yes, it took place. … Well, Mr. Baxter did not seem surprised to see me. He told me he felt tired. He said that the séance had been a success. And while he talked I watched him … Then I came away and caught the ten-fifty.”
“I don’t understand in the least,” said Maggie.
“So I suppose,” said the other dryly. “I imagine you do not believe in Spiritualism at all—I mean that you think that the whole thing is fraud or hysteria?”
“Yes, I do,” said Maggie bravely.