“Is she a speaking or writing medium?” was asked.
“Speaking. Whenever her lips are unclosed, it seems as if you heard a spirit talking.”
Half an hour was permitted to elapse, and then Mrs. Fordham, Dyer, Mrs. Weir, and the two visitors passed with hushed footsteps up to the chamber. At the door Mrs. Fordham paused, and, speaking to Mrs. Weir, said,—
“Your daughter must not be permitted to enter. The circle cannot be harmonized if she is present.”
“I will see to it,” was whispered back.
The door was then unlocked, and the company entered, each one with suspended breath. Mrs. Fordham preceded; but, ere she had gone half across the room, an exclamation of surprise and disappointment fell from her lips. The child was not there! In less than half a minute every part of the chamber was searched; but no sign of the missing one appeared.
“She may have thrown herself from the window!” said Mrs. Weir, blank terror in her countenance at the thought.
The window was opened, but no form lay on the ground beneath.
“Where is your daughter?” demanded Mrs. Fordham.
Mrs. Weir stepped to the door, and called, “Adele!” Twice, thrice she called; but only echo replied.