Fat Lady (to SAHÁTOF). What is it that puzzles you? It is so simple.... Thank you so, so much!
Leoníd Fyódoritch. I think everything has now been explained, and that we may commence.
Doctor. The fellow is in a perfectly normal condition: temperature 37 decimal 2, pulse 74.
Professor (takes out his pocket-book and notes this down). What I have just had the honor of explaining will be confirmed by the fact, which we shall presently have an opportunity of observing, that after the medium has been thrown into a trance his temperature and pulse will inevitably rise, just as occurs in cases of hypnotism.
Leoníd Fyódoritch. Yes, yes. But excuse me a moment. I should like to reply to Sergéy Ivánitch's question: How do we know we are in communication with the souls of the dead? We know it because the spirit that appears, plainly tells us—as simply as I am speaking to you—who he is, and why he has come, and whether all is well with him! At our last séance a Spaniard, Don Castillos, came to us, and he told us everything. He told us who he was, and when he died, and that he was suffering for having taken part in the Inquisition. He even told us what was happening to him at the very time that he was speaking to us, namely, that at the very time he was talking to us he had to be born again on earth, and, therefore, could not continue his conversation with us.... But you'll see for yourselves....
Fat Lady (interrupting). Oh, how interesting! Perhaps the Spaniard was born in one of our houses and is a baby now!
Leoníd Fyódoritch. Quite possibly.
Professor. I think it is time we began.
Leoníd Fyódoritch. I was only going to say....
Professor. It is getting late.