"You have the advantage of me," smiled the medium, coming forward to the fire.
"My name is Cathcart, sir."
The other started, almost imperceptibly.
"Ah! yes," he said quietly. "We did meet a few times, I remember."
Lady Laura was conscious of distinct relief at the interruption: it seemed to her a providential escape from a troublesome decision.
"I think there is nothing more to be said, Mr. Cathcart.... No, don't go, Mr. Vincent. We had finished our talk."
"Lady Laura," said the old gentleman with a rather determined air, "I beg of you to give me ten minutes more private conversation."
She hesitated, clearly foreseeing trouble either way. Then she decided.
"There is no necessity today," she said. "If you care to make an appointment for one day next week, Mr. Cathcart—"
"I am to understand that you refuse me a few minutes now?"