Kate was quite restored to her ruddy self. "Very well, I will see that he gets it."
Viola now spoke wearily, but quite in her natural voice again. "There is no test in that kind of a message. I didn't write it—I had nothing to do with it; but you or Professor Serviss would be justified in thinking I did. Grandpa wanted me to go into a trance. This kind of writing is a compromise."
"But what of my aunt who spoke through you?" asked Kate.
Viola stared at her blankly, and her mother laid a warning hand on Kate's arm. "She knows nothing of these impersonations," she said.
"What did I do?" asked Viola. "I hope nothing ridiculous."
"Mrs. Rice's aunt spoke through you, that's all," answered Mrs. Lambert, reassuringly.
"Tell me more," said Kate, eagerly. "It is all so unreal to me—I want to see more. Dr. Britt has told us wonderful things of you. Do you really believe the dead speak to you?"
"They are with us all the time," placidly, yet decisively, answered Mrs. Lambert. "We are never alone. I can feel them always near."
Kate shrank. "I don't believe I like that—altogether. Don't you feel oppressed by the thought?"
"Yes, I do," answered Viola; "they take all the joy out of my life."