“Well, then, this longing soul uses every means at her disposal, concentrates every power she possesses. Is it so very unreasonable, so very unchristian, so very dishonoring to the love of God, to think that she sometimes succeeds? … that she is able, under comparatively exceptional circumstances, to reestablish that connection with material things, that was perfectly normal and natural to her during her earthly life. … Tell me, Mr. Baxter.”
Laurie shifted a little in his chair.
“I cannot say that it is,” he said, in a voice that seemed strange in his own ears.
The medium smiled a little.
“So much for a priori reasoning,” he said. “There remains only the fact whether such things do happen or not. There I must leave you to yourself, Mr. Baxter.”
Laurie sat forward suddenly.
“But that is exactly where I need your help, sir,” he said.
A murmur broke from the ladies’ lips simultaneously, resembling applause. Mr. Jamieson sat back and swallowed perceptibly in his throat.
“You have said so much, sir,” went on Laurie deliberately, “that you have, so to speak, put yourself in my debt. I must ask you to take me further.”
Mr. Vincent smiled full at him.
“You must take your place with others,” he said. “These ladies—”
“ Mr. Vincent, Mr. Vincent,” cried Lady Laura. “He is quite right, you must help him. You must help us all.”
“Well, Sunday week,” he began deprecatingly.