"You really believe that Cardinal Newman comes to Mr. Vincent's drawing room and raps on tables?"
"I really believe that it is possible to get into touch with those whom we call dead. Each instance, of course, depends on its own evidence."
"And Cardinal Newman?"
"I have not studied the evidence for Cardinal Newman," remarked Laurie in a head-voice.
"Let's have a look at that book," said Maggie impulsively.
He handed it to her; and she began to turn the pages, pausing now and again to read a particular paragraph, and once for nearly a minute while she examined an illustration. Certainly the book seemed interestingly written, and she read an argument or two that appeared reasonably presented. Yet she was extraordinarily repelled even by the dead paper and ink she had in her hands. It was as if it was something obscene. Finally she tossed it back on to the couch.
Laurie waited; but she said nothing.
"Well?" he asked at last, still refraining from looking at her.
"I think it's horrible," she said.
Laurie delicately adjusted a little tobacco protruding from his cigarette.