Medium—You speak of a "sense of restfulness." May I ask do spirits, like mortals, experience a sense of fatigue?
De L'Ester—What I mean by a sense of restfulness is a state of tranquillity, through which a Spirit comes into harmonious relations with its surroundings. Spirits do not become wearied as expressed by the word fatigue, but upon entering the physical plane, Spirits, to a certain extent, take on the conditions with which they come in contact, and they experience what may be termed a sense of unrest or inharmony, and in exact proportion to the progress attained by Spirits is this sense of unrest accentuated. Hence, Spirits of the higher spirit realms seldom enter the physical plane. Have I made the matter clear to your comprehension?
Medium—Perfectly so.
De L'Ester—We now will look at this massive and really fine structure. As it is a good example of the many imposing residences to be found throughout this North temperate region, it shall serve as an object lesson for you, madame, and I shall take upon myself a description of its exterior.
A large structure of gray stone, extending on either side of a central entrance for at least forty feet. The entrance, which is wide and lofty, is approached by a fine flight of stone steps, leading easily up to it. Artistic and elaborate sculpture frames in the doorway, and on either side of the entrance are sculptured life-size forms in bas-relief. Their upturned eyes and upreaching hands lead one to conclude that they represent a guardian God and Goddess.
The entire front is pierced by many large windows surrounded by wide bands of intricate sculptured designs. Story above story to the height of four, the central portion of the building rises, and on either side of it are wings, two stories in height. Its entire front is beautified by traceries of delicate sculpture, among which are groups of life forms of various kinds. No doubt these forms hold certain meanings, and we regret that our Mars friends have not yet joined us, as they might enlighten us in this direction.
We now will move around to the right. Ah, here is a sort of annex and evidently devoted to pious purposes. Being a Frenchman I would term it une Temple, and you, madame, would name it a Chapel. It appears to be an extension of the dwelling, but really is quite a separate structure, which later on we will examine. As we perceive, these spacious and comfortable apartments at the rear of the dwelling are occupied by the domestics. As you, madame, are aware, to most Earth dwellers, Spirits are invisible; to the Marsians they are even less so, so we safely may enter the dwelling to have a view of the interior, but, George, you are to play no pranks to startle the occupants.
We will enter at the front. What a beautiful interior. This grand staircase, rising from this central hall, is fine enough for a royal palace. Evidently an able architect designed this dwelling, and intelligent and cultivated persons occupy it.
How very quiet it is. What is it, George? Not a soul in the house? Better so, for really this seems a sort of intrusion, all the more so were the occupants at home. Now, madame, which part of the dwelling shall we first investigate? Ah, we might have guessed that, as you are such a devoted housewife. To the kitchen then, but I shall expect you to describe this apartment, as really it is more than I am equal to.