After an early breakfast, dressed in her Sabbath clothes, she emerged from her boarding-house, but, in place of turning toward the mill, walked in the opposite direction toward the heart of the town, and wandered hither and thither, scarce knowing for what.
THE RECOGNITION AND ITS RESULTS.
It was nearly noon of the same day, when Estelle’s mother hastily entered her husband’s library and requested him to come out into the garden, for a strange person had been found within the gate who was acting in a very unaccountable manner.
The husband passed out into the garden followed by his wife, and found our mill-hand seated by the side of a rose-vine, which had been a favorite of his daughter.
Her eyes were closed, and her hands lay folded in her lap, but at the approach of the pair she stretched them out and said: “Oh, father, father, don’t you know me? I am your little Estelle, whom you thought had left you; I have not died; I am here with you, to bring to you and darling mother my love. Don’t you know how you used to call me ‘pet,’ and ‘chickie,’ and your ‘blue-eyed belle?’ Oh, father, I am so glad to come to you, and tell you what a happy home is awaiting you and mother with me.”
The man and woman were astounded; they knew not what to say; they had heard of Spiritualism, but had never attempted an investigation of it, and, therefore, did not understand what to do with this strange being.
However, she continued to speak, relating story after story of the early life of their child, until at length the mists seemed to clear away from the father’s brain, and he accepted the joyful truth that his child was before him, not in her own material form, but in control of the organism of one who was a perfect stranger to all parties.
I cannot continue these interesting details; suffice it to say that, when spirit Estelle loosened her control of the medium-stranger, her parents were both bathed in happy, joyful tears. The father of the spirit questioned the strange woman, who was in a perfect tumult of amazement, incredulity, and wonder at her surroundings and the strange story related to her.
Her humble history was soon told, and investigation proved its truth. In a short time, this lowly working-woman was invited to make her home with Estelle’s parents, she to receive a liberal compensation as companion and medium for them. The generous offer was accepted, and today she is an honored inmate of that happy home, where, when evening’s shadows fall, Estelle makes her daily visit, to impart instruction and information concerning the heavenly life to her listening parents, and to shower their hearts with loving benedictions, which purify and bless their souls.
No longer is the mother sad and despairing; no longer is the father bitter and misanthropical; peace and joy have become inmates of their household. No longer is the humble medium friendless and alone; a beautiful home and friendly, loving attention are hers. No longer does Estelle sorrow and repine; but she returns from the spiritual world day by day to accomplish her work of guiding her dear ones home to the better land.