As she spoke, with tears in her eyes and a higher flush on her cheek, there was a footstep in the room, and looking up she saw her brother, who had entered unperceived. His appearance was fortunate, as it perhaps saved her from some further indiscretions. Bradley, who had been too absorbed in the thoughts awakened by her first question to notice the peculiarity of her manner, held out his hand to the new-comer.
‘Glad to see you again,’ said the Professor. ‘I suppose Eustasia has told you that we’re going back to the States? I calculate we haven’t done much good by sailing over. The people of England are a whole age behind the Americans, and won’t be ripe for our teaching till many a year has passed.’
‘When do you leave London?’
‘In eight days. We’re going to take passage in the “Maria,” which sails to-morrow week.’
‘Then you will give no more séances? I am sorry, for I should have liked to come again.’
Eustasia started, and looked eagerly at her brother.
‘Will you come to-night?’ she asked suddenly.
‘To-night!’ echoed Bradley. ‘Is a séance to be held?’
‘No, no,’ interrupted Mapleleafe. ‘But yes,’ added Eustasia. ‘We shall be alone, but that will be all the better. I should not like to leave England without convincing Mr. Bradley that there is something in your solar biology after all.’
‘You’ll waste your time, Eustasia,’ remarked the Professor drily. ‘You know what the poet says?