“‘What in Heaven’s name do you mean?’
“‘Be perfectly quiet and I will explain. Could you calmly listen to the news of Lottie being alive?’
“‘Certainly I could, because it would not be true; and I must request you not to torture me in this manner.’
“‘Did you ever hear of a person being in a trance, when the friends thought it was death?’
“‘Yes, very often; Doctor Plaxico told me that such things frequently occurred; he mentioned two cases that had come under his observation.’
“‘Then why might we not hope that such was Lottie’s condition when Doctor Dodson telegraphed us that she was dead?’
“‘Edward, pray tell me what you mean!’
“‘Exactly what I say. Now stop, Harry; don’t lose control of yourself.’
“‘Edward, you must not trifle with my feelings.’
“‘I do not mean to trifle with your feelings, but I must request you to control them. Do you think you can do it?’