“All the avenues to her soul are locked, and I have the key,” said Mrs. Fordham, with triumph in her tones. “Hark!” She paused and listened, her eyes raised to the ceiling. After a few moments of silence, she went on. “I thought there was a movement in the room above. But it was imagination, I presume.”
“Is there no danger of her awakening?” asked one of the visitors.
“None: only the hand that shut the door of her soul’s consciousness can open it again.”
“How wonderful is this power!” said the last speaker. “I tremble sometimes to think what terrible consequences might follow its abuse.”
“There is no danger of its abuse,” returned Mrs. Fordham.
“You think not?”
“I am sure of it.”
“None but the favored of spirits are intrusted with this power,” said Dyer; “and they are protected.”
“Will not the spirits speak through her to-day?” asked one of the visitors.
“I do not know. There have been opposing influences; but I trust they are removed. In half an hour we will go up to where she is lying in trance-sleep; and perhaps the spirits will move her to utterance.”