Bartol then spoke, but his tone plainly showed that he was testing his client's hallucination and not addressing himself to the imaginary ghost. "Are you there, Margaret?"
"Yes," came the answer, clearly though faintly.
The renowned lawyer gazed at the medium with eyes that burned deep, and presently he asked, "What have you to say to me?"
Again came the clear, silvery whisper: "Much. Trust the medium. She will comfort you."
Victor thrilled to the importance of this moment, and much as he feared for his mother's success, he could not but admire the courage which blazed in her steady eyes. She was no longer afraid of this mighty man of the law, to whom heaven and hell were obsolete words. She was panoplied with the magic and mystery of death, and waited calmly for him to continue.
At last he said: "Go on. I am listening."
Again through the flower-scented, silent room the sibilant voice stole its way. "Father."
"Who is speaking?"
"Margaret."
"Margaret? What Margaret?"