"
"What sort?"
"Oh ... you know ... nerves, and so on. I ... I have seen people very
much upset at _seances_, more than once."
Laurie smiled.
"I don't think you need be afraid, Lady Laura. It's awfully kind of
you; but, do you know, I'm ashamed to say that, if anything, I'm
rather bored."
The pince-nez gleamed.
"But--but don't you believe it? I thought Mr. Vincent said--"
"Oh yes, I believe it; but, you know, it seems to me so natural now.
Even if nothing happens tonight, I don't think I shall believe it any
the less."
She was silent an instant.
"You know there are other risks," she said suddenly.
"What? Are things thrown about?"
"Please don't laugh at it, Mr. Baxter. I am quite serious."
"Well--what kind do you mean?"
Again she paused.
"It's very awful," she said; "but, you know, people's nerves do break
down entirely sometimes, even though they're not in the least
afraid. I saw a case once--"
She stopped.
"Yes?"
"It--it was a very awful case. A girl--a sensitive--broke down
altogether under the strain. She's in an asylum."
"I don't think that's likely for me," said Laurie, with a touch of
humor in his voice. "And, after all, you run these risks, don't
you--and Mrs.
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