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"Yes, yes," he said "I remember now I used to know Mr Cathcart once A very violent old gentle us? Indeed I scarcely remember I suppose it was because he beca 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 ust 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 ood training"

She stood up, and came herself to stand by the er?"

He turned straight to her, looking at her with kind, s eyes

"Lady Laura," he said, "have I ever yet told you that there was no danger? I think not There is always danger, for every one of us, as there is for the scientist in the laboratory, and the engineer in his er to a , we are reasonably and sufficiently safe

No doubt you reirl? Well, that was an accident: and accidents will happen; but do me the justice to remember that it was the first time that I had seen her It was absolutely ie of a nervous breakdown before she entered the rooain; and I tell you that I consider hi a certain risk--but a perfectly justifiable one, and one that is reduced to aevery precaution, I would not have him in the room for all the world Are you satisfied, Lady Laura?"

Every word he said helped her back to assurance It was all so reasonable and eighed If he had said there was no danger, she would have feared the ave her security And above all, his tranquility and his strength were enormous assets on his side