“It is the strife in her soul of evil spirits against the good,” said Mrs. Fordham. “She is not yet wholly purified for her great mission. Happily for her, the battle is fought in states of unconsciousness. She is spared all suffering.”
“The spirits love and protect her,” said Dyer.
“They love and protect their own; and she is theirs,” answered Mrs. Fordham.
As she spoke, she raised the child to a sitting posture. Her eyes were still closed, and the look of sadness and suffering yet remained. Dyer drew a chair and sat down directly in front of her. Mrs. Weir took another and did the same, but arose immediately, and, looking to the opposite side of the room, said,—
“Come, Adele; bring a chair and sit down with us.”
But Adele neither answered nor stirred.
“Daughter, did you hear me?” Mrs. Weir’s voice was firmer.
“I do not wish to come into the circle,” replied Adele.
“Don’t be foolish, child: come,” said Mrs. Weir.
“No, mother: I wish to be excused.”