He made a few passes over her head and face, touched her upon the pit of the stomach, and she instantly became like a reed in his hands.
He had mesmerized her.
CHAPTER XXX
FLOWN
Yes, the strange man had mesmerized Editha Dalton.
He possessed that peculiar power, or magnetic influence, something of which almost every one has either seen or heard, and which should never be exercised except in the most judicious manner, and governed by unquestionable principles.
To all appearances Editha was completely in his power, but whether it was strong enough to make her comply with his every command or not yet remained to be seen.
We have all learned something of the young girl’s strength of will, in her resolute adherence to the right and her persistent opposition to everything wrong.
Whether this was all instinct rooted and grounded in her nature, and strengthened for years by conscientious cultivation, which would in a measure protect her and prevent her from becoming his abject slave, could not yet be determined. But he immediately proceeded to test his power.
“Pick up and bring me that paper,” he commanded, pointing to the copy of John Loker’s confession, which had fallen upon the floor.
She stooped obediently and handed it to him.