The Argosy — page 240: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

182 The Mystery of Allan Grale. Chinese mandarin of the highest rank who lived about two hundred years ago. Then there is one who calls himself the ‘ Young Pretender,’ he will never tell us plainly whether he is a royal Stuart ; but from internal evidence, we think so. And then there is ‘Jane Shore.’ I dare say that will astonish you ; but after a time one gets to look differently on these things.” ‘‘So the oracles are a pagan, a prodigal, and a light woman!” Agnes might have thought had she been censorious. ‘“ But ”—she said aloud——“ are the guardian spirits ever common people? People who have been in business; or faithful old family servants ; or any- body of that kind ?” Lady Laura looked up at her again. She understood all that Agnes did not say. ‘“ These mediums are doing a great work,” she answered, rather coldly. ‘ Naturally they attract the influence and care of spirits in high place. Common people, doubtless, have common guides. But hush, something is soon to begin.” Mr. Grale had now brought forward the two walking-sticks. He laid them on the table in the centre of the group. His hand trembled a little as he did so, and Mrs. Grale began to cry quietly. ‘“‘ Bessie is passing under an influence already,” proclaimed Lady Laura, in a stage whisper. “Keep perfectly quiet,” instructed Mr. Tempest, lifting his hand. ‘“‘ My daughter. has not yet lost consciousness. If anything disturbs her just now, the whole sitting may be spoiled.” Lady Laura gave a little deprecating gesture. Nobody else stirred or spoke ; there was complete silence. ‘Bessie is under control now,” said Mr. Tempest, presently. ‘‘ My daughter herself is quite unconscious of all that passes before her,” he added, in explanation. ‘I must be always with her under these circumstances. Her guides assure me I may entrust her to them, yet they applaud my solicitude. If we were to tell Bessie any fact now, or make her any promise, we should find that she knows nothing whatever about it, upon coming to herself.” “And what is supposed to become of your daughter’s spirit in the meantime ?” asked Dr. Palmer. “The guides say that they put it into the mesmeric sleep. Some times they leave it so, unconscious ; sometimes they lead it through that sleep into higher spheres, whence it returns refreshed and illuminated.” Dr. Palmer could not help thinking that despite these distinguished attentions, Miss Bessie Tempest looked but a jaded and _ frivolous creature. Agnes happened to be thinking the same. Suddenly the medium stretched out her hand towards the staves. Her eyes were not quite closed, but there seemed no speculation in them, and indeed no vision, for she groped vainly for the sticks after the manner of the blind. She laid hold -first of that which young Acland had brought from Sladford. She passed her hand down it from the ferule to the handle, and then she gave a shiver. im CONNEC MOOOKS.CO @