How were you pleased, Miss Ludington ?" The abrupt transition from the shadows of the between-world to the glare of gas-light, from the communion of spirits to the brisk business-like tones of Dr.Hull, was quite too much for the poor lady, and with a piteous gesture, she buried her face in her hands.

Alta now came out of the cabinet, and said that her mother would like them to examine it once more.
Miss Ludington took no notice of the request, but Paul, who had continued to sit staring into vacancy, as if for him the seance were still going on, sprang up at Alta's invitation and accepted it with alacrity.

The eagerness with which he peered into the corner of the cabinet, and the disappointment which his face showed when he perceived no trace of any person there save Mrs.Legrand and Alta, might naturally have suggested to them that he suspected fraud; but the fact was very different.

His conduct was merely the result of a confused hope that he might gain another glimpse of Ida by following her to the place within which she had vanished.
When Paul looked into the cabinet, Mrs.Legrand was lying upon the lounge, and Alta was administering smelling salts to her.

As he turned away disappointed, the medium rose, and leaning on her daughter, returned to the front parlour.