Page 45 (1/1)

At first he thought he ht have interrupted, and wondered with diser in those eyes--nothing but a curious and kindly interest

"Nothing happened?" he exclai?"

He looked at the ladies

Lady Laura too was looking at hie interest as theup, in an unobtrusive manner, several sheets of paper that he had not noticed before

He felt a little stiff, andhis 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"

Then a silence fell again

Laurie began to wonder what this was all about Certainly he felt tired, yet strangely elated But he felt no inclination toat his own hands on his knees But he was disappointed that nothing had happened

Then the thought of time came into his mind He supposed that it would be about ten un a little before six He glanced up at the clock on the ilt affairs that display everything except the hour He still waited aall this to be very unusual and unconventional Why should he sit here like an invalid, and why should these three sit here and watch hi that an effort was due from him The question of the time of day struck him as a suitably conventional re silence

"What is the tiht to be--"

"There is plenty of tirave voice across the table

With a suddenthat so somewhere Then he turned to the coht," he cried

Mr Vincent sly

"It is about that," he said "Please sit down again, Mr Baxter"