第4章
"Yes，butyouwon"tbringthemupstairs，please，"saidWinthrop，"untilyouhearfromme。"
Gaylorflushedwithangerandforamomentappeareduponthepointofmutiny。Then，asthoughrefusingtoconsiderhimselfresponsibleforthemannersoftheyoungerman，heshruggedhisshouldersandlefttheroom。
WithevenlessofconsiderationthanhehadshowntoJudgeGaylor，WinthropturneduponRainey。
"How"syourpatient？"heaskedshortly。RaineywassufficientlyinfluencedbytheliquorhehadtakentodaretoresentWinthrop"speremptorytone。Hisowninreplywasdesignedlyoffensive。
"Mypatient？"heinquired。
"Mr。Hallowell，"snappedWinthrop，"he"ssick，isn"the？"
"Oh，Idon"tknow，"returnedtheDoctor。
"Youdon"tknow？"demandedWinthrop。"Well，Iknow。Iknowifhegoesthroughthisthingtonight，he"llhaveanothercollapse。I
sawonethismorning。Whydon"tyouforbidit？You"rehismedicaladviser，aren"tyou？"
Raineyremainedsullenlysilent。
"Answerme!"insistedtheDistrictAttorney。"Youare，aren"tyou？"
"Iam，"atlastdeclaredRainey。
"Well，then，"commandedWinthrop，"tellhimtostopthis。TellhimIadviseit。"
ThroughhisglassesRaineyblinkedviolentlyattheDistrictAttorney，andlaughed。"Ididn"tknow，"hesaid，"thatyouwereamedicalman。"
WinthroplookedattheDoctorsosteadily，andforsolongatime，thattheeyesoftheyoungmansoughtthefloorandtheceiling；andhissneerchangedtoanexpressionofdiscomfort。
"Iamnot，"saidWinthrop。"IamtheDistrictAttorneyofNewYork。"Histoneswerecold，precise；theyfelluponthesuperheatedbrainofDr。Raineylikedropsfromanicicle。
"WhenItookoverthatoffice，"continuedWinthrop，"Ifoundacomplaintagainsttwomedicalstudents，afailuretoreportthedeathofanoldmaninaprivatesanitarium。"
Winthroploweredhiseyes，andbecamedeeplyabsorbedinthetoeofhisboot。"Ihaven"tlookedintothepapers，yet，"hesaid。
Rainey，swayingslightly，jerkedopenthedoorofthebedroom。
"I"lltellhim，"hepantedthickly。"I"lltellhimtodoasyousay。"
"Thankyou，Iwishyouwould，"saidWinthrop。
Atthesamemoment，fromthehall，Garrettannounced，"Mrs。
Vance，sir。"AndMabelVance，tremulousandfrightened，enteredtheroom。
Winthropapproachedhereagerly。
"Ah!Mrs。Vance，"heexclaimed，"canIseeMissVera？"
Embarrassedandunhappy，Mrs。Vancemovedrestlesslyfromfoottofoot，andshookherhead。
"Please，Mr。DistrictAttorney，"shebegged。"I"mafraidnot。
Thisafternoonupsetherso。Andshe"ssonervousandqueerthattheProfessorthinkssheshouldn"tseenobody。"
"TheProfessor？"hecommented。Hisvoicewasconsiderate，conciliatory。"Now，Mrs。Vance，"hesaid，"I"veknownMissVeraeversinceshewasalittlegirl，knownherlongerthanyouhave，and，I"mherfriend，andyou"reherfriend，and——"
"Iam，"protestedMabelVancetearfully。"IndeedIam!"
"Iknowyouare，"Winthropinterruptedhastily。
"You"vebeenmorethanafriendtoher，you"vebeenasister，mother，andyoudon"twantanytroubletocometoher，doyou？"
"Idon"t，"criedthewoman。"Oh!"sheexclaimedmiserably，"I
toldthemthere"dbetrouble!"
Winthroplaughedreassuringly。
"Well，therewon"tbeanytrouble，"hedeclared，"ifIcanhelpit。Andifyouwanttohelpher，helpme。Persuadehertoletmetalktoher。Don"tmindwhattheProfessorsays。"
"Iwill，"declaredMrs。Vancewithdetermination，"Iwill。"
Shestartedeagerlytowardthehall，andthenpausedandreturned。Herhandswereclasped；herround，babyeyes，wetwithtears，werefixeduponWinthropappealingly。
"Oh，please，"shepleaded，"you"renotgoingtohurthim，areyou？Paul，myhusband，"sheexplained，"he"sbeensuchagoodhusbandtome。"
Winthroplaugheduneasily。
"Why，that"llbeallright，"heprotested。
"Hedoesn"tmeananyharm，insistedMrs。"Vance，"he"sonthelevel；true，heis!"
"Why，ofcourse，ofcourse，"Winthropassented。
Unsatisfied，Mrs。Vanceburstintotears。"It"sthisspiritbusinessthatmakesthetrouble!"shecried。"Itellthemtocutitout。Now，themindreadingatthetheatre，"shesobbed，"there"snoharminthat，isthere？Andthere"stwicethemoneyinit。Butthisghostraising"——sheraisedhereyesappealingly，asthoughbeggingtobecontradicted——"it"ssuretogethimintotrouble，isn"tit？"
Winthropshookhishead，andsmiled。
"Itmay，"hesaid。Mrs。Vancebrokeintoafreshoutburstoftears。"Iknewit，"shecried，"Iknewit。"Winthropplacedhishanduponherarmandturnedherinthedirectionofthedoor。
"Don"tworry，:"hesaidsoothingly。"GosendMissVerahere。And，"hecalledafterher，"don"tworry。"
AsMabeldeparteduponhiserrand，Raineyreenteredfromthebedroom。Hecarefullyclosedthedoorandhaltedwithhishandupontheknob，andshookhishead。
"It"snouse，"hesaid，"hewillgoonwithit。It"snotmyfault，"hewhined，"Itoldhimitwouldkillhim。Icouldn"tmakeitanystrongerthanthat，couldI？"
RaineywasnotlookingatWinthrop，but，asthoughfearfulofinterruption，towardthedoor。Hiseyeswereharassed，furtive，filledwithmiserableindecision。ManytimesbeforeWinthrophadseenmeninsuchastate。Heknewthatforthesuffereritforetoldaphysicalbreakdown，orthathewouldseekreliefinfullconfession。Togivethemanconfidence，heabandonedhisattitudeofsuspicion。
"Thatcertainlywouldbestrongenoughforme，"hesaidcheerfully。"DidyoutellhimwhatIadvised？"
"Yes，yes，"mutteredRaineyimpatiently。"Hesaidyouwereinvitedheretogiveadvicetohisniece，nottohim。"ForthefirsttimehiseyesmetthoseofWinthropboldly。TheDistrictAttorneyrecognizedthatthemanhadtakenhisfearsbythethroat，andhadarrivedathisdecision。"
"Seehere，"exclaimedRainey，"couldIgiveyousomeinformation？"
"I"msureyoucould，"returnedWinthropbriskly。"Giveittomenow。"
ButRainey，glancingtowardthedoor，shrankback。Winthrop，followingthedirectionofhiseyes，sawVera。ImpatientlyhewavedRaineyaway。
"Attheoffice，tomorrowmorning，"hecommanded。Withasighofreliefatthereprieve，Raineyslippedbackintothebedroom。
WinthrophadpersuadedhimselfthatinseekingtospeakwithVera，hewasmakingonlyanaturalchoicebetweenpreventingthegirlfromperpetratingafraud，or，later，forthatfraud，holdinghertoaccount。Butwhensheactuallystoodbeforehim，herecognizedhowabsurdlyhehaddeceivedhimself。Atthemerephysicalsightofher，therecametohimaswiftrelief，athrillofpeaceanddeepcontent；andwithdelightedcertaintyheknewthatwhatVeramightdoormightnotdoconcernedhimnotatall，thatforhimallthatcountedwasthegirlherself。
Withsomethingofthisshowinginhisface，hecameeagerlytowardher。
"Vera!"heexclaimed。Inthewordtherewasdelight，wonder，tenderness；butifthegirlrecognizedthissheconcealedherknowledge。Instead，hereyeslookedintohisfrankly；hermannerwasthatofopenfriendliness。
"Mabeltellsmeyouwanttotalktome，"shesaidevenly"butI
don"twantyouto。IhavesomethingIwanttosaytoyou。I
couldhavewrittenit，butthis"——foraninstantthegirlpausedwithherlipspressedtogether；whenshespoke，hervoicecarriedthefirmnessandfinalityofonedeliveringaverdict——
"butthis，"sherepeated，"isthelasttimeyoushallhearfromme，orseemeagain。"
Winthropgaveanexclamationofimpatience，ofindignation。
"No，"returnedthegirl，"itisquitefinal。Maybeyouwillnotwanttoseeme，but——"
Winthropagainsharplyinterruptedher。Hisvoicewasfilledwithreproach。
"Vera!"heprotested。
"Well，"saidthegirlmoregently，"I"mgladtothinkyoudo，butthisisthelast，andbeforeIgo，I——"。
"Go!"demandedWinthroproughly。"Where？"
"BeforeIgo，"continuedthegirl，"Iwanttotellyouhowmuchyouhavehelpedme——Iwanttothankyou——"。
"Youhaven"tletmethankyou，"brokeinWinthrop，"and，now，youpretendthisisourlastmeeting。It"sabsurd!"。
"Itisourlastmeeting，"repliedthegirl。Ofthetwo，forthemoment，shewastheolder，themorecontained。"Onthecontrary，"contradictedtheman。Hespokesharply，inatonehetriedtomakeasdeterminedasherown。"Ournextmeetingwillbeintenminutes——atmysister"s。Ihavetoldheraboutthisafternoon，andaboutyou；andshewantsverymuchtomeetyou。
Shehassenthercarforyou。It"swaitinginfrontofthehouse。Now，"hecommandedmasterfully，"youcomewithme，andgetinit，andleaveallthis"——hegaveanangry，contemptuouswaveofthehandtowardthecabinet——"behindyou，as，"headdedearnestly，"youpromisedmeyouwould。"
Asthoughclosingfromsightthepossibilityhesuggested，thegirlshuthereyesquickly，andthenopenedthemagaintomeethis。
"Ican"tleavethesethingsbehindme，"shesaidquietly。
"Itoldyousothisafternoon。Foramoment，youmademethinkI
could，andIdidpromise。Ididn"tneedtopromise。It"swhatI"veprayedfor。Then，yousawwhathappened，yousawIwasright。Withinfiveminutesthatwomancame——"
"Thatwomanhadamotive，"protestedWinthrop。
"Thatwoman，"continuedthegirlpatiently，"orsomeotherwoman。Whatdoesitmatter？Infiveminutes，orfivedays，someonewouldhavetold。"Sheleanedtowardhimanxiously。"I"mnotcomplaining，"shesaid；"it"smyownfault。It"sthelifeI"vechosen。"Shehesitatedandthenasthoughdeterminedtocarryoutaprogrammeshehadalreadylaiddownforherself，continuedrapidly:"AndwhatIwanttotellyou，is，thatwhat"sbestinthatlifeIowetoyou。"
"Vera!"criedthemansharply。
"Listen!"saidthegirl。Hereyeswerealight，eager。Shespokefrankly，proudly，withoutembarrassment，withoutfearofbeingmisconstrued，asamanmightspeaktoaman。
"I"dbeungrateful，I"dbeacoward，"saidthegirl，"ifIwentawayanddidn"ttellyou。FortenyearsI"vebeencountingonyou。Imadeyouasortofstandard。Isaid，aslongashekeepstohisideals，I"mgoingtokeeptomine。Maybeyouthinkmyidealshavenotbeenveryhigh，butanywayyou"vemadeiteasyforme。BecauseI"minthisbusiness，becauseI"mgood-lookingenough，certainmen"——thevoiceofthegirlgrewhardandcool——"havedonemethehonortoinsultme，anditwasknowingyou，andthatthereareotherslikeyou，thathelpedmenottocare。"
Thegirlpaused。Sheraisedhereyestohisfrankly。Thelookinthemwasoneofprideinhim，ofloyalty，ofaffection。"Andnow，sinceI"vemetyou，"shewenton，"Ifindyou"rejustasI
imaginedyou"dbe，justasI"dhopedyou"dbe。"Shereachedoutherhandwarningly，appealingly。"AndIdon"twantyoutochange，toletdown，togrowdiscouraged。Youcan"ttellhowmanymorepeoplearecountingonyou。"Shehesitatedand，asthoughatlastconsciousofherownboldness，flusheddeprecatingly，likeoneaskingpardon。"Youmeninhighplaces，"
shestammered，"you"relikelighthousesshowingtheway。Youdon"tknowhowmanypeopleyouarehelping。Youcan"tseethem。
Youcan"ttellhowmanyboatsarefollowingyourlight，butifyourlightgoesout，theyarewrecked。"Shegaveasighofrelief。"That"swhatIwantedtotellyou，"shesaid，"and，sothankyou。"Sheheldoutherhand。"And，goodby。"
Winthrop"sanswerwastoclaspherhandquicklyinbothofhis，anddrawhertowardhim。
"Vera，"hebegged，"comewithmenow!"
Thegirlwithdrewherhandandmovedawayfromhim，frowning。
"No，"shesaid，"no，youdonotwanttounderstand。Ihavemyworktodotonight。"
Winthropgaveanexclamationofanger。
"Youdon"tmeantotellme，"hecried，"thatyou"regoingonwiththis？"
"Yes，"shesaid，Andtheninsuddenalarmcried:"Butnotifyou"rehere!I"llfailifyou"rehere。Promiseme，youwillnotbehere。"
"Indeed，"criedthemanindignantly，"Iwillnot!ButI"llbedownstairswhenyouneedme。And，"headdedwarningly，"you"llneedme。""No，"saidthegirl。"Nomatterwhathappens，Itellyou，betweenus，thisistheend。"
"Then，"beggedtheman，"ifthisistheend，forGod"ssake，Vera，asmylastrequest，donotdoit!"
Thegirlshookherhead。"No，"sherepeatedfirmly。"I"vetriedtogetawayfromit，andeachtimethey"veforcedmeback。Now，I"llgoonwithit。I"vepromisedPaul，andtheothers。Andyouheardmepromisethatwoman。"
"Butyoudidn"tmeanthat!"protestedtheman。"Sheinsultedyou；youwereangry。You"reangrynow，piqued——"
"Mr。Winthrop，"interruptedthegirl，"todayyoutoldmeIwasnotplayingthegame。Youtoldthetruth。Whenyousaidthiswasameanbusiness，youwereright。But"——forthefirsttimesinceshehadspokenhertoneswereshaken，uncertain——"I"vebeendrivenoutofeveryotherbusiness。"Shewaiteduntilhervoicewasagainundercontrol，andthensaidslowly，definitely，"and，tonight，IamgoingtoshowMr。Hallowellthespiritofhissister。"
IntheeyesofWinthropthelookofpain，ofdisappointment，ofreproach，wassokeen，thatthegirlturnedherownaway。
"No，"saidthemangently，"youwillnotdothat。"
"Youcanstopmydoingittonight，"returnedthegirl，"butatsomeothertime，atsomeotherplace，Iwilldoit。"
"Youyourselfwillstopit，"saidWinthrop。"Youaretoohonest，toofine，toactsuchalie。Whynotbeyourself？"hebegged。
"Whynotdisappointtheseotherpeoplewhodonotknowyou？Whydisappointthemanwhoknowsyoubest，whotrustsyou，whobelievesinyou——"。
"Youaretheveryone，"interruptedthegirl，"whodoesn"tknowme。Iamnotfine；Iamnothonest。Iamacharlatanandacheat；Iamallthatwomancalledme。Andthatiswhyyoucan"tknowme。That"swhy。Itoldyou，ifyoudid，youwouldbesorry。"
"Iamnotsorry，"saidWinthrop。
"Youwillbe，"returnedthegirl，"beforethenightisover。"
"Onthecontrary，"answeredthemanquietly，"Ishallwaitheretocongratulateyou——onyourfailure。"
"Ishallnotfail，"saidthegirl。Avoidinghiseyes，sheturnedfromhimand，foramoment，stoodgazingbeforehermiserably。
Herlipsweretrembling，hereyesmoistwithrisingtears。Thenshefacedhim，herheadraiseddefiantly。
"Ihavebeenhoundedoutofeverydecentwayofliving，"sheprotestedhysterically。"Icanmakethousandsofdollarstonight，"shecried，"outofthisone。"
Winthroplookedstraightintohereyes。Hisownwerepleading，fulloftendernessandpity；soeloquentwithmeaningthatthoseofthegirlfellbeforethem。
"Thatisnoanswer，"saidtheman。"Youknowit"snot。Itellyou——youwillfail。"
FromthehallJudgeGaylorenterednoisily。Instinctivelythemanandgirlmovednearertogether，andupontheintruderWinthropturnedangrily。
"Well？"hedemandedsharply。"Ithoughtyouhadfinishedyourtalk，"protestedtheJudge。"Mr。Hallowellisanxioustobegin。"
WinthropturnedandlookedatVerasteadily。Foraninstanttheeyesofthegirlfaltered，andthenshereturnedhisglancewithoneasresoluteashisown。Asthoughacceptingherverdictasfinal，Winthropwalkedquicklytothedoor。"Ishallbedownstairs，"hesaid，"whenthisisover，letmeknow。"
Gaylorstruggledtoconcealhissurpriseandsatisfaction。"Youwon"tbeherefortheseance？"heexclaimed。
"Certainlynot，"criedWinthrop。"I——"Hebrokeoffsuddenly。
WithoutagainlookingtowardVera，ortryingtohidehisdispleasure，helefttheroom。
Gaylorturnedtothegirl。Hewassmilingwithrelief。
"Excellent!"hemuttered。"Excellent!Whatwashesayingtoyou，:"heaskedeagerly，"asIcamein——thatyouwouldfail？"
Thegirlmovedpasthimtothedoor。"Yes，"sheanswereddully。
"Butyouwillnot!"criedtheman。"We"reallcountingonyou，youknow。Destroytheoldwill。Signthenewwill，"hequoted。
Hecameclosetoherandwhispered。"ThatmeansthousandsofdollarstoyouandVance，"heurged。
Thegirlturnedandregardedhimwithunhappy，angryeyes。
"Youneednotbefrightened，:"sheanswered。Forthemanbeforeherandforherself，hervoicewasbitterwithcontemptandself-accusation。"Mr。Winthropismistaken。Hedoesnotknowme，"shesaidmiserably。"Ishallnotfail。"
Foramoment，aftershehadlefthim，Gaylorstoodmotionless，hiseyesfilledwithconcern，andthen，withashrug，asthoughacceptingeithergoodorevilfortune，hecalledfromthebedroomMr。Hallowell，and，fromthefloorbelow，theguestsofHallowellandofVance。
AsHallowell，supportedbyRainey，sankintotheinvalid"schairinthecentreofthesemicircle，Gaylormadehisfinalappeal。
"Stephen，"hebegged，"areyousureyou"refeelingstrongenough？Won"tsomeothernight——"Theoldmaninterruptedhimquerulously。
"No，now!"Iwantitover，"hecommanded。"Whoknows，"hecomplained，"howsoonitmaybebefore——"
ThesightofMannieenteringtheroomwithVancecausedhimtointerrupthimselfabruptly。Hegreetedtheshowmanwithacurtnod。
"Andwhoisthis？"hedemanded。Mannie，towhomalivingmillionairewasmuchmoreofadisturbingspectaclethantheghostofAlexandertheGreat，retreatedhastilybehindVance。
"Heismyassistant，"Vanceexplained。"Hefurnishesthemusic。"
HepushedMannietowardtheorgan。
"Music!"growledHallowell。"Musttherebemusic？"
"Itisindispensable，"protestedVance。"Music，sir，isoneofthestrongestpsychicinfluences。It"
"Nonsense!"criedHallowell。
"Tricks，"hemuttered，"tricks!"
Vanceshruggedhisshoulders，andsmiledindeprecation。"Iamsorrytofindyouinaskepticalmood，Mr。Hallowell，"hemurmuredreprovingly"Itwillhardlyhelptoproducegoodresults。Allowme，"hebegged，"topresenttwotruebelievers。"
Withawaveofthehandhebeckonedforwardastout，gray-hairedwomanwithbulging，near-sightedeyesthatrolledmeaninglesslybehindheavygoldspectacles。
"Mrs。MarshofLynn，Massachusetts，"proclaimedVance，"ofwhomyouhaveheard。Mrs。Marsh，"headded，"isprobablythefirstmediuminAmerica。Theresultsshehasobtainedarequitewonderful。ShealoneforetoldtheSanFranciscoearthquake，andtherunontheLongAcreSquareBank。"
"Iamgladtoknowyou，"saidMr。Hallowell。"Pardonmynotrising。"
Theoldladycurtsiedobsequiously。
"Oh，certainly，Mr。Hallowell，"sheprotested。"Mr。Hallowell，"
shewenton，rollingthenamedelightedlyonhertongue，"Ineednottellyouhowgreatlywespiritualistsrejoiceoveryourjoiningtheranksofthebelievers。"
Hallowellnodded。Hewasnotaltogetherunimpressed。"Thanks，"
hecommenteddryly。"ButIamnotquitethereyet，madam。"
"Wehope，"saidVancesententiously，"toconvinceMr。Hallowelltonight。"
"AndIamsure，Mr。Hallowell，"criedtheoldlady，"ifanyonecandoit，littleMissVeracan。Hersisawonderfulgift，sir，awonderfulgift!"
"Iamgladtohearyousayso，"returnedHallowell。
Henoddedtoherindismissal，andturnedtothenextvisitor。
"Andthisgentleman？"heasked。
"ProfessorStrombergk，"announcedVance，"thedistinguishedwriteronpsychicandoccultsubjects，editorofTheWorldBeyond。"
Atall，full-beardedGerman，inatoo-shortfrockcoat，bowedawkwardly。Uponhim，asuponMannie，hadfallenthespelloftheHallowellfortune。He，whochattedfamiliarlywithdepartedpopesandemperors，whodailywasincommunicationwithGoethe，Caesar，andEpictetus，thrilledwithembarrassmentbeforethemanwhohadmademillionsfromacouplingpin。
"AndHelen!"Mr。Hallowellcried，asMissCoatesfollowedtheProfessor。"Thatisall，isitnot？"heasked。
MissCoatesmovedasidetodisclosethepersonofthereporterfromtheRepublic，HomerLee。
"Ihavetakenyouatyourword，uncle，"shesaid。，"andhavebroughtafriendwithme。"Insometrepidationsheadded；"HeisMr。Lee，areporterfromtheRepublic。"
"Areporter!"exclaimedMr。Hallowell。Disturbedandyetamusedattheaudacityofhisniece，heshookhisheadreprovingly。"I
don"tthinkImeantreporters，"heremonstrated。
"Yousaidinyournote，"returnedhisniece，"thatasIhadsomuchatstake，IcouldbringanyoneIpleased，andthelesshebelievedinspiritualism，thebetter。Mr。Lee，"sheaddeddryly，"believesevenlessthanIdo。"
"Thenitwillbeallthemoreofatriumph，ifweconvincehim，"
declaredHallowell。"Understand，youngman，"heproclaimedloudly，"Iamnotaspiritualist。Iammerelyconductinganinvestigation。Iwantthetruth。Ifyou，ormyniece，detectanyfraudtonight，Iwanttoknowit。"Includinginhisspeechtheothersintheroom，heglaredsuspiciouslyinturnateach。
"Keepyoureyesopen，"heordered，"youwillbeservingmequiteasmuchasyouwillMissCoates。"
MissCoatesandLeethankedhimand，recognizingthemselvesastheoppositionandintheminority，withdrewforconsultationintoacornerofthebaywindow。
VanceapproachedMr。Hallowell。
"Ifyouareready，"hesaid，"wewillexaminethecabinet。ShallIwheelitoverhere，orwillyoulookatitwhereitis？"
"Ifitistobeinthatcornerduringtheseance，"declaredMr。
Hallowell，"I"lllookatitwhereitis。"
Ashestruggledfromhischair，heturnedtoMrs。Marsh，andnoddedhisheadknowingly。"Yousee，Mrs。Marsh，"hesaid，"Iamtakingnochances。"
"Thatisquiteright，Mr。Hallowell，"purredtheoldlady。"Iftherebeanydoubtinyourmind，youmustgetridofit，orwewillhavenoresults。"
Withadramaticgesture，Vancesweptasidefromtheopeninginthecabinettheblackvelvetcurtain。"It"sasimpleaffair，"hesaidindifferently。"Asyousee，it"sopenatthetopandbottom。Themediumsitsinsideonthatchair，boundhandandfoot。"
Inturn，Mr。Hallowell，Mrs。Marsh，Gaylor，Rainey，ProfessorStrombergkenteredthecabinet。Withtheirknucklestheybeatuponitssides。Theymovedittoandfro。Theydroppedtotheirknees，andwiththeirfingerstuggedatthecarpetuponwhichitstood。
Undercoveroftheirquestions，inthecornerofthebaywindow，MissCoateswhisperedtoLee；"Don"tlooknow，"shewarned，"butlater，youwillseeontheleftofthatdoortheswitchthatthrowsonthelights。WhenIamsuresheisoutsidethecabinet，whenshehastoldhimnottogivethemoneytome，I"llcrynow!"andwhicheveroneofusisseatednearertheswitchwillturnonallthelights。Ithink，"MissCoatesaddedwith，inhervoice，athrilloftriumphnotaltogetherfreefromatouchofvindictiveness，"whenmyuncleseeshercaughtinthemiddleoftheroom，disguisedashissister——wewillhavecuredhim。"
"Itmaybe，"saidtheman。
ThepossibilityofsuccessasMissCoatespointeditoutdidnotappeartostirinhimanygreatdelight。Heglancedunwillinglyoverhisshoulder。"Iseetheswitch，"hesaid。
LeaningonthearmofGaylor，Mr。Hallowellreturnedfromthecabinettohischair。Whathehadseenapparentlystrengthenedhisfaithand，inlikedegree，inspiredhimtogreaterenthusiasm。
"Well，"heexclaimed，"therearenotrapdoorsorfalsebottomsaboutthat!Iftheycanprojectaspiritfromthatsentrybox，itwillbeamiracle。Forwhomarewewaiting？"heaskedimpatiently。"WhereisWinthrop？"
JudgeGaylorexplainedthatWinthroppreferredtowaitdownstairs，andthathehadsaidhewouldremainthereuntiltheseancewasfinished。
"Afraidofcompromisinghisposition，"commentedtheoldman。
"I"msorry。I"dliketohavehimhere。"HemotionedGaylortobendnearer。Inavoicethattrembledwitheagernessandexcitement，hewhispered:"Henry，Ihaveafeelingthatwearegoingtowitnessaremarkablephenomenon。"
Gaylor"scountenancegrewpreternaturallygrave。Henoddedheavily。
"Ihavethesamefeeling，Stephen，"hereturned。
Vanceraisedhishandtocommandsilence。
"Everyone，"hecalled，"exceptthecommittee，whoaretobindandtiethemedium，willtaketheplaceIgivehim，andremaininit。Mr。DaywillpleaseacquaintMissVeraandMrs。Vancewiththefactthatweareready。"
UptothispointVancehadappearedonlyasastagemanager。Hehadbeenconcernedwithhisgroupings，hislights，inassigningtohisconfederatesthepartstheyweretoplay。Nowthatthecurtainwastorise，asanactorputsonawigandgreasepaint，Vanceassumedacertainvoiceandmanner。Onthestagethecriticswouldhavecalledhimaconvincingactor。Hemadehisaudiencebelievewhathebelieved。Heknewtheeloquenceofapause，thevalueofasurprised，unintelligibleexclamation。Onemomenthewasasprofessionallysolemnasa"funeraldirector；"
thenext，hisvoice，hiswholeframe，wouldshakewithexcitement，inanoutburstoffanaticfervor。AsitpleasedhimhecouldplayHamlet，tenderlyshockedatthesightofhisdeadfather，orMacbeth，retreatinginhorrorbeforetheghostofBanquo。Forthemomenthismannerwasthatoftheundertaker。
"Now，Mr。Hallowell，"hesaidhoarsely，"pleasetonamethoseyouwishtoserveonthecommittee。"
Mr。Hallowellwavedhisarmtoincludeeveryoneintheroom。
"Everybodywillserveonthecommittee，"hedeclared。
"Everythingistobeopenandabove-board。Thewholecityiswelcomeonthecommittee。Iwantthistobeabovesuspicion。"
"Thatismywish，also，sir，"saidVancestiffly。"Butacommitteeofmorethanthreeisunwieldy。SupposeyounametwogentlemenandIone？Or，"heshruggedhisshoulders，"youcannameallthree。"
AfteramomentofconsiderationMr。HallowellpointedatLee。"I
chooseMr——thatyoungman，"heannounced，"andJudgeGaylor。"
"Iwouldmuchrathernot，Stephen，"JudgeGaylorwhispered。
"Iknow，Henry，"answeredtheother。"ButIaskitofyou。Itwillgivemeconfidence。"HeturnedtoVance。"Youselectsomeone，"hecommanded。
Withabow，VancedesignatedthetallGerman。
"WillProfessorStrombergkbeacceptable？"heasked。Mr。
Hallowellnodded。
"Then，thethreegentlemenchosenwillpleasecometothecabinet。"
Vance，hismannernowthatofamasterofceremonies，assignedtoeachpersontheseatheorshewastooccupy。MissCoateswithsatisfactionnotedthatonlyMrs。VanceseparatedLeefromtheelectricswitch。
"Imustaskyou，"saidVance，"tokeepthesearsIhaveassignedtoyou。Withustonightarebothfavorableandunfavorableinfluences。AndwhatIhavetriedtodoinplacingyou，istoobtainthebestpsychicresults。"Hemovedtothedoorandlookedintothehall，thenturned，andwithupliftedarmsilentlydemandedattention。
"MissVera，"heannounced。Followedclosely，likerespectfulcourtiers，byMannieandMrs。Vance，Veraappearedinthedoorway，walkedafewfeetintotheroom，andstoodmotionless。
Asthoughalreadyinatrance，shemovedslowly，withoutvolition，likeasomnambulist。Herheadwasheldhigh，buthereyesweredullandunseeing。Herarmshunglimply。Sheworeaneveninggownofsoftblackstuff，thatclungtoherlikealaceshawl，andwhichleftherthroatandarmsbare。Inspiteoftheclashofinterests，ofantagonism，ofmutualdistrust，therewasnoonepresenttowhomthesightoftheyounggirldidnotbringanuneasythrill。Thenatureofthethingsheproposedtodo，contrastedwiththelovelinessofherface，whichseemedtomockatthepossibilityofdeceit；somethinginherrapt，distantgaze，inthedignityofherupliftedhead，inherairofcompletedetachmentfromhersurroundings，causedeventhemostskepticaltoquestionifshemightnotpossessthepowersheclaimed，tofeelforamomenttheapproachofthesupernatural。
Thevoicesofthecommittee，consultingtogether，droppedsuddenlytoawhisper；theotherswereinstantlysilent。
InhisarmsManniecarriedsilkenscarfs，cords，andropes。Ineachhandheheldateacup。Onecontainedflour，theothershot。
Vancetookthesefromhim，andManniehurriedlyslippedintohischairinfrontoftheorgan。
"Gentlemen，"explainedVance，"youwillusetheseropesandscarfstotiethemedium。Also，asafurtherprecautionagainsttheleastsuspicionoffraud，wewillsubjecthertothemostseveretestknown。Inonehandshewillholdthisflour；theotherwillbefilledwithshot。Thiswillmakeitimpossibleforhertotamperwiththeropes。
HegavethetwocupstoGaylor，andturnedtoVera。
"Areyouready？"heasked。Afterapause，thegirlslightlyinclinedherhead。Lee，withoneofthescarfsinhishand，approachedherdiffidently。Helookedunhappilyattheslight，girlishfigure，atthefairwhitearms。InhisembarrassmentheappealedtoVance。
"Howwouldyousuggest？"heasked。
Vance，apparentlyshocked，hastilydrewaway。"Thatwouldbemostirregular，"heprotested。
ApologeticallyLeeturnedtothegirl。
"Wouldyoumindputtingyourarmsbehindyou？"heasked。Helacedthescarfaroundherarms，anddrewittightlytoherwrists。
"TellmeifIhurtyou，"hemurmured，butthegirlmadenoanswer。Towhatwasgoingforwardsheappearedasunmindfulasthoughshewereanartist"smanikin。
"Willyoutakethesenow？"askedGaylor，andintoheropenpalmshepouredtheflourandshot。"And，now，"continuedLee，"willyougointothecabinet？"Assheseatedherself，hekneltinfrontofherandboundherankles。FrombehindherStrombergkdeftlywoundtheropesaboutherbodyandthroughtherungsandbackofthechair。
"Wouldyoumindseeingifyoucanwithdrawyourarms？"Leeasked。Thegirlraisedhershoulders，struggledtofreeherhands，andtriedtorise。Buttheeffortswerefutile。
"Arethegentlemensatisfied？"demandedVance。Thethreemen，whohadshownbutlittleheartinthework，andwhowerenowredandembarrassed，hastilyansweredintheaffirmative。
"Ifyouaresatisfiedtheropesaresecurelyfastened，"Vancecontinued，"youwilltakeyourseats。"ProfessorStrombergk，ashemovedtohischair，announcedindevout，solemntones；
"Nothingbutspirithandscanmovethoseropesnow。"
FromtheorganrosesoftlythepreludetoaMoodyandSankeyhymn，and，inkeepingwiththemusic，thevoiceofVancesanktoalowtone。
"Wewillnow，"hesaid，"establishthemagneticchain。Eachpersonwilltakewithhisrighthandtheleftwristofthepersononhisorherright。"Hepausedwhilethisorderwasbeingcarriedintoeffect。
"BeforeIturnoutthelights，"hecontinued，"Iwishtosayalastwordtoanyskepticwhomaybepresent。Iwarnhimthatanyattempttolayviolenthandsupontheapparition，orspirit，maycostthemediumherlife。Fromthecabinetthemediumprojectsthespiritintothecircle。Anattackuponthespirit，isanattackuponthemedium。Therearethreeorfourwell-authenticatedcaseswherethedisembodiedspiritwascutofffromthecabinet，andthemediumdied。"
Hedrewthevelvetcurtainsacrossthecabinet，andshutVerafromview。"Areyouready，Mr。Hallowell？"heasked。Mr。
Hallowell，hiseyesstaring，hislipsparted，noddedhishead。
Themusicgrewlouder。Vanceswitchedoffthelights。
Forsomeminutes，exceptforthecreakingofthepedalsoftheorganandthelowthrobofthemusic，therewasnosound。Then，fromhispositionattheopendoor，thevoiceofVancecommandedsternly:"Nowhispering，please。Themediumissusceptibletotheleastsound。"Therewasanotherlongerpause，untilinhushedexpectanttonesVancespokeagain。"Theairisveryheavilychargedwithelectricitytonight，"hesaid，"you，Mrs。
Marsh，shouldfeelthat？"
"Ido，Professor，"murmuredthemedium，"Ido。Weshallhavesomewonderfulresults!"
Vanceagreedwithhersolemnly。"Ifeelinfluencesallaboutme，"hemurmured。
Therecamesuddenlyfromthecabinetthreesharpraps。Thesewereinstantlyansweredbyotherquickrappingsuponthelibrarytable。"Theyarebeginning!"chantedthevoiceofVance。Themusicoftheorganceased。Itwasatoncefollowedbythenotesofaguitarthatseemedtofloatinspace，thestringsvibrating，notasthoughtouchedbyhumanhands，butinfitful，meaninglesschordslikethoseofanAeolianharp。
"ThatisKiowa，yourcontrol，Mrs。Marsh，"announcedVanceeagerly。"Doyoudesiretospeaktohim？"
"Nottonight，"Mrs。Marshanswered。Sheraisedhervoice。"Nottonight，Kiowa，"sherepeated。"Thankyouforcoming。Goodnight。"
Indeep，gutturalaccents，aman"svoicecamefromtheceiling。
"Goodnight，"itcalled。Withafinal，ringingwail，themusicoftheguitarsuddenlyceased。
Againrosetheswellinglownotesoftheorgan。Aboveitcamethequickpatteringoffootsteps。
ThevoiceofRainey，filledwithalarm，cried，"someonetouchedme!"
"Areyousureyourhandsareheld？"demandedVancereprovingly。
"Yes，"pantedRainey，"bothofthem。Butsomethingputitshandonmyforehead。Itwascold。"
Inanexcitedwhisper，avoiceinthecirclecried，"Look，look!"andbeforetheeyesofall，astarroseinthedarkness。
ForamomentitwaveredoverthecabinetandthenflutteredswiftlyacrosstheroomandremainedstationaryabovetheheadoftheGermanProfessor。
"Thereisyourstar，Professor，"criedVance。"WhentheProfessorisinthecircle，"heannouncedproudly，"thatstaralwaysappears。"
HewasinterruptedbyastartledexclamationfromLee。
"Somethingtouchedmyface，"explainedtheyoungmanapologetically，"andspoketome。"
Themusicsanktoamurmur，andtheroombecamealivewithswift，rushingsoundsandsoftwhisperings。
ThevoiceofMrs。Marsh，lowandeager，couldbeheardappealingtoaninvisiblepresence。
"Theresultsaremarvelous，"chantedVance，"marvelous!Themediumisshowingwonderfulpower。Ifanyonedesirestoaskaquestion，heshoulddosonow。Theconditionswillneverbebetter。"Hepausedexpectantly。"Mr。Hallowell，"heprompted，"isityourwishtocommunicatewithanyoneinthespiritworld？"
Therewasalongpause，andthenthevoiceofMr。Hallowell，harshandshaken，answered，"Yes。"
"Withwhom？"demandedVance。
Therewasagainanotherlongerpause，andthen，abovetheconfusionofsoftwhisperings，thevoiceoftheoldmanroseinsharpstaccato；"Mysister，CatherineCoates。"Histonehardened，becameobdurate，final。"But，Imustseeher，andhearherspeak!"
NotforaninstantdidVancehesitate。Intense，sepulchraltones，hedemandedofthedarkness，"IsthespiritofCatherineCoatespresent？"
Thewhisperingsandmurmursceased。Thesilenceoftheroomwasbrokensharplybythreequickraps。"Yes，"intonedVance，"sheispresent。"
ThevoiceofHallowellprotestedfiercely。"Iwon"thavethat!I
wanttoseeher!"
Inthetoneofanincantation，Vancespokeagain。"Willthespiritshowherselftoherbrother？"Therapscamequickly，firmly。
"Sheanswersshewillappearbeforeyou。"
Therewasamomentthatseemedtostretchinterminably，andthen，theeyesofall，straininginthedarkness，sawagainsttheblackvelvetcurtainasplashofwhite。
Abovethesobbingoftheorgan，thevoiceofMr。Hallowellrangoutinasharpexclamationofterror。"Whoisthat!"hedemanded。Hespokeasthoughhedreadedtheanswer。Hethrewhimselfforwardinhischair，peeringintothedarkness。
"Isthatyou，Kate？，hewhispered。Hisvoicewasbothincredulousandpleading。
Theanswercameinfeeble，tremblingtones。"Yes。"
ThevoiceofHallowellshookwitheagerness。"Doyouknowme，yourbrother，Stephen？"
"Yes。"
Withacrytheoldmanfellback，gropingblindly。HefoundGaylor"sarmandclutcheditwithbothhands。
"MyGod!It"sKate!"hegasped。"Itellyou，Henry，itisKate!"
ThevoiceofVance，deepandhollowlikeabell，soundedanoteofwarning。"Speakquickly，"hecommanded。"Hertimeonearthisbrief。"Mr。Hallowell"sholduponthearmofhisfriendrelaxed。
Fearfullyandslowly，hebentforward。
"Kate!"hepleaded；"Imustaskyouaquestion。Nooneelsecantellme。"Asthoughgatheringcourage，hepaused，and，withafrightenedsigh，againbegan。"Iamanoldman，"hemurmured，"asickman。Iwillbejoiningyouverysoon。whatamItodowithmymoney？Ihavemadegreatplanstogiveittothepoor。Or，mustIgiveit，asIhavegivenitinmywill，toHelen？PerhapsIdidnotactfairlytoyouandHelen。YouknowwhatImean。Shewouldberich，butthenthepoorwouldbethatmuchthepoorer。"
Theconfidenceofthespeakerwasincreasing；asthoughtoalivingbeing，hearguedandpleaded。"AndIwanttodosomegoodbeforeIgo。WhatshallIdo？Tellme。"
Therewasapausethatlastedsolongthatthosewhohadheldtheirbreathtolisten，againbreatheddeeply。Whentheanswercame，itwasstrangelydeprecatory，uncertain，unassured。
"You，"stammeredthevoice，"youmusthavecouragetodowhatyouknowtobejust!"
Forabriefmoment，asthoughsurprised，Mr。Hallowellapparentlyconsideredthis，andthengaveanexclamationofdisappointmentanddistress。
"ButIdon"tknow，"heprotested，"thatiswhyIcalledonyou。
Iwanttogointothenextworld，Kate，"hepleaded，"withcleanhands!"
"Youcannotbribeyourwayintothenextworld，"intonedthevoice。"Ifyoupitythepoor，youmusthelpthepoor，notthatyoumaycheatyourwayintoheaven，butthattheymaysufferless。Searchyourconscience。Havethecourageofyourconscience。"
"Idon"twanttoconsultmyconscience，"criedtheoldman。"I
wantyoutotellme。"Hepaused，hesitating。Eagertopresshisquestion，hisaweoftheapparitionstillrestrainedhim。
"Whatdoyoumean，Kate？"hebegged。AmItogivethemoneywhereitwilldothemostgood——totheHallowellInstitute，oramItogiveittoHelen？WhichamItodo？"
Therewasanotherlongsilence，andthenthevoicestammered；
"If——ifyouhavewrongedme，ormydaughter，orthepoor，youmustmakerestitution。"
Thehandoftheoldmanwasheardtofallheavilyuponthearmofhischair。Hisvoiceroseunhappily。
"Thatisnoanswer，Kate!"hecried。"Didyoucomefromthedeadtopreachtome？Tellme——whatamItodo——leavemymoneytoHelen，ortotheInstitute？"
Thecryoftheoldmanvibratedintheair。Novoicerosetoanswer。"Kate!"heentreated。Stilltherewassilence。"Speaktome!"hecommanded。Thesilencebecameeloquentwithmomentouspossibilities。Solongdiditendure，thatthepainofthesuspensewasactual。ThevoiceofRainey，chokedandhoarsewithfear，brokeitwithanexclamationthatheldthesoundofanoath。Hemutteredthickly，"Whatinthenameof——"
Hewashushedbyaswiftchorusofhisses。ThevoiceofHallowellwasagainuplifted。
"Whywon"tsheanswerme？"hebeggedhystericallyofVance。
"Can"tyou——can"tthemediummakeherspeak？"
Duringthelastfewmomentsthemusicfromtheorganhadcomebrokenly。Thehandsuponthekeysmovedunsteadily，drunkenly。
Nowtheyhaltedaltogetherandinthemiddleofachordthemusicsankanddied。UponthenowabsolutesilencethevoiceofVance，whenhespoke，soundedstrangelyunfamiliar。Ithadlostthepriest-likeintonation。Itsconfidencehaddeparted。Itshowedbewildermentandalarm。
"I——Idon"tunderstand，"stammeredtheshowman。"Askheragain。Putyourquestiondifferently。"
Carefully，slowly，givingeachworditsvalue，Mr。Hallowellraisedhisvoiceinentreaty。
"Kate，"hecried，"Ihavemadeanewwill，leavingthemoneytothepoor。TheoldwillgivesittoHelen。ShallIsignthenewwillornot？ShallIgivethemoneytoHelen，ortheInstitute？
Answerme!Yesorno。"
Beforetheeyesofall，theapparition，asthoughretreatingtothecabinet，swayedbackward，thenstaggeredforward。Therewasasob，human，heart-broken，acry，thrillingwithdistress；atumultofweeping，fierceanduncontrollable。
Theysawthefiguretearawaythewhitekerchiefandcap，andtramplethemuponthefloor。Theysawthefigureholditselferect。Fromit，thevoiceofVeracriedaloud，indespair。
"Ican"t!Ican"t!"shesobbed。"It"salie!Iamnotyoursister!Turnonthelights，"thegirlcried。"Turnonthelights!"
Therewasacrashofupturnedchairs，thesoundofmenstruggling，andtheroomwassweptwithlight。InthedoorwayWinthropwasholdingapartVanceandthereporter。
InthecentreoftheroomstoodVera，herheadbentinshame，herbodyshakenandtrembling，herhairstreamingtoherwaist。
Asthoughtopunishherself，byputtingaclimaxtoherhumiliation，sheheldoutherarmstoHelenCoates。"Yousee，"
shecried，"Iamacheat。Iamafraud!"ShesanksuddenlytoherkneesinfrontofMr。Hallowell。"Forgiveme，"shesobbed，"forgiveme!"
Withacryofangryprotest，Winthroprantoherandliftedhertoherfeet。Hiseyeswerefilledwithpity。ButintheeyesofMr。Hallowelltherewasnopromiseofpardon。Withsuddenstrengthhestruggledtohisfeetandstoodswaying，challengingthosebeforehim。Hisfacewaswhitewithanger，hisjawclosedagainstmercy。
"You"veliedtome!"hecried。"You"vetriedtorobme!"Heswepttheroomwithhiseyes。Withaflashofintuition，hesawthetraptheyhadlaidforhim。"Allofyou!"hescreamed。"It"saplot!"Heshookhisfistattheweepinggirl。"Andyou!"heshoutedhysterically，"thelawshallpunishyou!"
Winthropdrewthegirltohimandputhisarmabouther。
"I"lldothepunishinghere，"hesaid。
Withaglad，welcomingcry，theoldmanturnedtohimappealingly，wildly。
"Yes，you!"heshouted。"youpunishthem!Sheplottedtogetmymoney。"
ThegirlatWinthrop"ssideshivered，andshrankfromhim。Hedrewherbackroughlyandheldherclose。Thesobsthatshookhertoreathisheart；thetouchofthesinking，tremblingbodyinhisarmsfilledhimwithfierce，jubilantthoughtsofkeepingthegirltherealways，ofgivingbattleforher，ofshelteringheragainsttheworld。Inwhatshehaddonehesawonlyasacrifice。Inherhebeheldonlyapenitent，whowasself-accusedandself-convicted。
Heheardthevoiceoftheoldmanscreamingvindictively，"Sheplottedtogetmymoney!"
Winthropturneduponhimsavagely。
"Howdidsheplottogetit？"heretortedfiercely。"Youknow，andIknow。Iknowhowyourlawyer，yourdoctor，yourservantplottedtogetit!"Hisvoiceroseandrangwithindignation。
"Youallplotted，andyouallschemed——andtowhatend——whatwastheresult？"——heheldbeforethemthefaintingfigureofthegirl——"Thatonepoorchildcouldproveshewashonest!"
Withhisarmsstillabouther，andherhandsclingingtohim，hemovedwithherquicklytothedoor。Whentheyhadreachedthesilenceofthehall，hetookherhandsinhis，andlookedintohereyes。"Now，"hecommanded，"youshallcometomysisters!"
Thewaitingcarcarriedthemswiftlyuptheavenue。Theirwaylaythroughthepark，andthewarm，mid-summerairwasheavywiththeodorofplantsandshrubs。Abovethemthetreesdroopeddeepwithleaves。Vera，crouchedinacorner，hadnotspoken。
Hereyeswerehiddeninherhands。ButwhentheyhadenteredthesilentreachesoftheparksheloweredthemandthefacesheliftedtoWinthropwaspaleandwetwithtears。Themanthoughtneverbeforehadheseenitmorelovelyormorelovable。Verashookherheaddumblyandlookedupathimwithatroubledsmile。
"Itoldyou，"shemurmuredremorsefully，"you"dbesorry。"
Wedon"tknowthatyet，"saidWinthropgently，"we"llhavealltherestofourlivestofindthatout。"
Startled，thegirldrewback。Inherfacewaswonder，amazement，adawninghappiness。
Withoutspeaking，Winthroplookedather，entreatingly，pitifully，beseechingherwithhiseyes。
Slowlythegirlbentforwardand，ashethrewouthisarms，withalittlesighofrestandcontentshecreptintothemandpressedherfacetohis。