PROFESSOR [to Leoníd Fyódoritch] Do you notice how the medium's trance acts on Grossman? He is beginning to vibrate.
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH. Yes, yes … can the lights be extinguished now?
SAHÁTOF. But why is darkness necessary?
PROFESSOR. Darkness? Because it is a condition of the manifestation of mediumistic energy, just as a given temperature is a condition necessary for certain manifestations of chemical or dynamic energy.
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH. But not always. Manifestations have been observed by me, and by many others, both by candlelight and daylight.
PROFESSOR [interrupting] May the lights be put out?
LEONÍD FYÓDORITCH. Yes, certainly. [Puts out candles] Ladies and gentlemen! attention, if you please.
Tánya gets from under the sofa and takes hold of a thread tied to a chandelier.
PETRÍSTCHEF. I like that Spaniard! Just in the midst of a conversation—off he goes head downwards … as the French say: piquer une tête.[13]
BETSY. You just wait a bit, and see what will happen!