At first he thought he might have interrupted, and wondered with
dismay whether this were so. But there was no sign of anger in those
eyes--nothing but a curious and kindly interest.

"Nothing happened?" he exclaimed hastily. "You have written nothing?"

He looked at the ladies.

Lady Laura too was looking at him with the same strange interest as
the medium. Mrs. Stapleton, he noticed, was just folding up, in an
unobtrusive manner, several sheets of paper that he had not noticed
before.

He felt a little stiff, and moved as if to stand up but, to his
astonishment, the big man was up in an instant, laying his hands on
his shoulders.

"Just sit still quietly for a few minutes," said the kindly
voice. "Just sit still."

"Why--why--" began Laurie, bewildered.

"Yes, just sit still quietly," went on the voice; "you feel a little
tired."

"Just a little," said Laurie. "But--"

"Yes, yes; just sit still. No; don't speak."