"Catholics are supposed not to come," observed Mrs. Stapleton.
"Just so.... Mr. Baxter is a convert, isn't he...? I thought so."
He mused for a moment or two.
The ladies had never seen him so interested in an amateur. Usually his manner was remarkable for its detachment and severe assurance; but it seemed that this case excited even him. Lady Laura was filled again with sudden compunction.
"Mr. Vincent," she said, "do you really think there is no danger for this boy?"
He glanced up at her.
"There is always danger," he said. "We know that well enough. We can but take precautions. But pioneers always have to risk something."
She was not reassured.
"But I mean special danger. He is extraordinarily sensitive, you know. There was that girl from Surbiton...."
"Oh! she was exceptionally hysterical. Mr. Baxter's not like that. I do not see that he runs any greater risk than we run ourselves."