“It is my brother,� said Mrs. Jenkinson. “He was in Her Majesty’s service in England. Are ye well, Henry, and happy?� she asked.
“I am well, and much happier than I ever was upon earth,� came from the Professor’s lips in a thin, nasal tone. “You have the right principle, Helen. No one can be sick. There is no sickness, if we only deny the belief in such a thing. Stick to your faith and you are all right.�
The Professor selected a second paper.
“I see the name Maria,� he said. “Maria, are you there? Will you answer if a friend wishes to speak with you?�
“Has she—has she blonde hair?� asked Donald, with some hesitation.
“Yes, and blue eyes,� answered Russell. “She is very delicate and pale, and is holding out her hands to you.�
“Ah, yes; she wants me to take her, probably. Sorry I can’t. Ask her if she is all right and likes the other world as well as this.�
The answer came in a husky falsetto:
“Yes, better.�
“Do you forgive me for all my ill conduct toward you?�