When Vera spoke it was in the tone of every-
day politeness. Her voice was even and steady.
"You have been misinformed," she said, "there will be no seance
tonight."
Vance turned to Vera, and, in a voice lower than her own, but
sufficiently loud to include Miss Coates, said: "I don't think
we told you that Mr. Hallowell himself insists that this lady
and her friends be present."
"Her presence makes no difference," said Vera quietly. "There
will be no seance tonight. I will tell you about it later,
Paul," she added. She started toward the door, but Miss Coates
moved as though to intercept her.
"If you think," she cried eagerly, "you can give a seance to Mr.
Hallowell without my knowing it, you are mistaken."
Vera paused, and made a slight inclination of her head.
"That was not my idea," she said. She looked appealingly to
Vance. "Is that not enough, Paul?" she asked.
"Quite enough!" exclaimed the man. He turned to the visitor and
made a curt movement of the hand toward the open door.
"There will be a seance tonight," he declared. "At Mr.
Hallowell's. If you wish to protest against it, you can do so
there. This is my house. If you have finished -- " He repeated
the gesture toward the open door.
"I have not finished," said Miss Coates sharply; "and if you
take my advice, you will follow her example." With a nod of the
head she signified Vera. "When she sees she's in danger, she
knows enough to stop.
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