“Will you kindly tell me what has happened?” he asked sharply.
“You feel tired?”
“No; I am all right. Kindly tell me what has happened.”
He saw Lady Laura whisper something in an undertone he could not hear. Mr. Vincent stood up with a nod and leaned himself against the mantelpiece, looking down at the rather indignant young man.
“Certainly,” he said. “You are sure you are not exhausted, Mr. Baxter?”
“Not in the least,” said Laurie.
“Well, then, you passed into trance about five minutes—”
“ What? ”
“You passed into trance about five minutes past six; you came out of it five minutes ago.”
“Trance?” gasped Laurie.
“Certainly. A very deep and satisfactory trance. There is nothing to be frightened of, Mr. Baxter. It is an unusual gift, that is all. I have seldom seen a more satisfactory instance. May I ask you a question or two, sir?”
Laurie nodded vaguely. He was still trying hopelessly to take in what had been said.
“You nearly passed into trance a little earlier. May I ask whether you heard or saw anything that recalled you?”
Laurie shut his eyes tight in an effort to think. He felt dimly rather proud of himself.