It was through my action that you were called back, without any will of your own, to resume the life which you had once finished on earth.

I did not intend or anticipate that result, to be sure, but I am not the less responsible for it and being thus responsible, though you had been a stranger to me instead of my other self, I should be under the most solemn obligation to guard and protect the life I had imposed on you." While Miss Ludington was speaking Ida's tears had ceased to flow, and she had become quite calm.

She seemed to have been impressed by what Miss Ludington had said.

At least she offered no further opposition to the plan proposed.
"I am very anxious to lose no time," said Miss Ludington, presently, "and I think we had better drive into Brooklyn the first thing to-morrow morning, and see my lawyer about the necessary legal proceedings." "Just as you please," said Ida, and presently, pleading a nervous headache, she went to her room and remained there the rest of the afternoon.
Meanwhile Paul had seen Miss Ludington, and she had told him of her talk with Ida, and its result.

The young man was beside himself with chagrin, humiliation, and baffled love.