She is no
longer with us. She passed into the spirit world three years
ago." The girl turned suddenly and approached the table, holding
her head high, as though offended.
"How do you explain that trick?" she demanded.
Mr. Hallowell moved uneasily in his chair. "Oh, the picture's
been on my desk each time you've been here," he answered
dubiously. "Rainey could have told you."
"As a matter of fact, I didn't," said Rainey.
Hallowell's eyes lightened with interest. "Didn't you?" he
asked. He turned to Vera. "If you can read my mind," he
challenged -- "you," he added, pointing at Vance, "keep out of
this now -- tell me of what I am thinking." As Vance drew back,
Rainey and himself exchanged a quick glance of apprehension, but
the girl promptly closed her eyes, and at once, in a dull,
measured tone, began to speak.
"You were thinking you would like to ask a question of some one
in the spirit," she recited. "But you are afraid. You do not
trust me. You will wait until I give you a sign; then you will
ask that question of some one dear to you, who has passed
beyond, and she will answer, and your troubles will be at an
end." She opened her eyes and stared at Mr. Hallowell like one
coming out of a dream. "What did I say?" she asked. "Was I
right?"
Hallowell slank back in his chair, shaking his head.
"Yes," he began grudgingly, "but -- "
With an eagerness hardly concealed, Vance interrupted.
"What is the question you wish to ask?" he begged.
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