The voice ended as the curtains swished down. The rajah had released the cord. A tenseness came over the circle. Minutes ticked slowly by, until the rajah drew the cord to raise the curtains. The bare vacancy of the cabinet was scarcely discernible.
"Let us wait," said Rajah Brahman solemnly. "My psychic vision shows that one will soon be with us—" As his mystic tones dwindled, all eyes watched the cabinet. A luminous spot was appearing upon the platform, which stood a foot above the floor. The spot enlarged. It became a shapeless mass. Taller, taller it grew, until a radiant form of light stood swaying in the cabinet. The outline of a human face was visible. It turned about as though seeking some one in the circle. It stopped, and as it lingered, those who watched saw the countenance of a beautiful young girl.
"My daughter! Stella!" The cry came from Arthur Dykeman, the man from Cincinnati. Dykeman was pressing forward; seeking to grasp the ethereal vision, but the materialized girl waved him back. A voice came from the spirit — a plaintive murmur — and Dykeman paused to listen to its message.
"I must return to the astral plane," were the words. "I cannot linger long to-night. I have found the guide who can bring me here again. Have faith, dear father. Have faith."
"Are you happy, daughter?"
"Yes, father. All is happiness on the higher plane. All is happiness—" The spirit extended her hands.
"You may touch her hands," said Rajah Brahman, in a low tone. "Be careful, that is all. She is completely materialized. Step back when she commences to sway—"
Dykeman was clasping the hands of the gorgeous spirit. The form shimmered weirdly, and the father moved away. Still, the form remained.
"She is waiting for you to speak," said Rajah Brahman. "She wishes a token of your love — a token of remembrance—"
Arthur Dykeman was fumbling in his pockets. He brought out a jewel case. As he opened it, the sparkle of gems showed as they reflected the dazzling luminosity of the spectral vision. The girl spirit was out of the cabinet, now — a few paces forward.