The medium turned a little to the fire, sighing as if for weariness: and at the sound the old man stopped, trembling. It was more obvious than ever that he only held himself in restraint by a very violent effort: it was as if the presence of the medium affected him in an extraordinary degree. Lady Laura glanced again from one to the other. "That is all, then?" she said. His lips worked. Then he burst out-- "I am sick of talking," he cried--"sick of it! I have warned you. That is enough. I cannot do more." He wheeled on his heel and went out. A minute later the two heard the front door bang. She looked at Mr. Vincent. He was twirling softly in his strong fingers a little bronze candlestick that stood on the mantelpiece: his manner was completely unconcerned; he even seemed to be smiling a little. For herself she felt helpless. She had taken her choice, impelled to it, though she scarcely recognized the fact, by the entrance of this strong personality; and now she needed reassurance once again. But before she had a word to say, he spoke--still in his serene manner. "Yes, yes," he said. "I remember now. I used to know Mr. Cathcart once. A very violent old gentleman." "What did he mean?" "His reasons for leaving us? Indeed I scarcely remember. I suppose it was because he became a Catholic." "Was there nothing more?" He looked at her pleasantly. "Why, I daresay there was. I really can't remember, Lady Laura. I suppose he had his nerves shaken. You can see for yourself what a fanatic he is." But in spite of his presence, once more a gust of anxiety shook her. "Mr. Vincent, are you sure it's safe--for Mr. Baxter, I mean?" "Safe? Why, he's as safe as any of us can be. We all have nervous systems, of course." "But he's particularly sensitive, isn't he?" "Indeed, yes. That is why even this evening he must not go into trance. That must come later, after a good training." She stood up, and came herself to stand by the mantelpiece. "Then really there's no danger?" He turned straight to her, looking at her with kind, smiling eyes.