He looked very self-contained and rather pinched this morning, and shook hands with the lady without a word. Then they moved across presently to the green-hung dining-room across the hall, and the exquisite symbol of Luncheon made its appearance. Lady Laura, it appeared, was one of those who had felt the charm of Stantons; only for her it was psychical rather than physical, and all this was passed on by her friend. It seemed that the psychical atmosphere of most modern houses was of a yellow tint, but that this one emanated a brown-gold radiance which was very peculiar and exceptional. Indeed, it was this singularity that had caused Mrs. Stapleton to apply for an invitation to the house. More than once during lunch, in a pause of the conversation, Maggie saw her throw back her head slightly as if to appreciate some odor or color not experienced by coarser-nerved persons. Once, indeed, she actually put this into words. "Dear Laura was quite right," cried the lady; "there is something very unique about this place. How fortunate you are, dear Mrs. Baxter!" "My dear husband's grandfather bought the place," observed the mistress plaintively. "We have always found it very soothing and pleasant." "How right you are! And--and have you had any experiences here?" Mrs. Baxter eyed her in alarm. Maggie had an irrepressible burst of internal laughter, which, however, gave no hint of its presence in her steady features. She glanced at Laurie, who was eating mutton with a depressed air. "I was talking to Mr. Vincent, the great spiritualist," went on the other vivaciously, "only last week. You have heard of him, Mrs. Baxter? I was suggesting to him that any place where great emotions have been felt is colored and stained by them as objectively as old walls are weather-beaten. I had such an interesting conversation, too, with Cardinal Newman on the subject"--she smiled brilliantly at Maggie, as if to reassure her of her own orthodoxy--"scarcely six weeks ago." There was a pregnant silence. Mrs. Baxter's fork sank to her plate. "I don't understand," she said faintly. "Cardinal Newman--surely--" "Why yes," said the other gently. "I know it sounds very startling to orthodox ears; but to us of the Higher Thought all these things are quite familiar. Of course, I need hardly say that Cardinal Newman is no longer--but perhaps I had better not go on." She glanced archly at Maggie. "Oh, please go on," said Maggie genially. "You were saying that Cardinal Newman--" "Dear Miss Deronnais, are you sure you will not be offended?" "I am always glad to receive new light," said Maggie solemnly. The other looked at her doubtfully; but there was no hint of irony in the girl's face.