It was during this conversation that Benjamin Crane came in. He was evidently in a happy mood, his face was radiant and his fine features glowed with enthusiasm.
"I've had such an experience," he exclaimed. "I've had a séance with a real medium——"
"Oh, father!" Julie cried out, involuntarily, but he only smiled benignly at her.
"Just listen, Julie, dear. Reserve your comment till you hear it all. Then we'll see."
He drew his armchair nearer the fire and rubbed his hands to the blaze, then settled back in comfort, taking the cup that Julie brought him.
"Yes, yes," he went on, "a wonderful experience. You know," he looked round, including all his hearers, for all present had drawn near to listen, "you know I felt sure we had no real mediums here in America. When Sir Rowland told of the trustworthy ones he has consulted in England, I almost decided to go over there myself. But I heard of one here in New York, and I investigated fully her credentials and references before going to her. Truly, she is a marvel."
"I thought they weren't allowed," observed Shelby, smiling a little.
"'Not allowed' is sometimes a mere figure of speech," and Mr. Crane smiled, too. "However, I was allowed to see her and have a real séance—oh, Helen," he turned to his wife, "I can scarcely wait to go there again and have you go with me."
"Father, I can't stand this!" Julie's eyes were blazing. "Please drop the subject—at least, for the present."
"There, there, my daughter, don't lose your temper. If you don't want to hear about this, you may be excused." He smiled at her lovingly but with a decided intention.