The Argosy — page 185: what you’re looking at

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

168 The Mystery of Allan Grale. another, and Mary Anne was quite sure there was something mysteri- ous about George Vivian. ‘T will write to Miss Tempest,” said Lady Laura, “‘and tell her that she must hold herself at my disposal, for a work of love and mercy, on any sudden notice that I may give her.” “But you must not tell her anything—you must not give her any clue,” observed Mrs. Grale, suspiciously. ‘My dear lady, you, as yet uninitiated, cannot realise how careful we are on that score. In the interests of scientific investigation, we observe precautions which you would never dream of. Yet there’s little need: the revelations imparted to these mediums from the spirit- world are wonderful.” ‘T think I shall be frightened,” said Mrs. Grale. ‘‘ Still”—her old Scotch caution making itself heard—“‘‘ after all, whatever is said may not be true.” ‘Of course not,” observed Lady Laura, ‘‘ dear Bessie herself is the first to admit that. ‘The spirits are not popes,’ she says in her pretty way ; ‘they do not claim to be infallible.’ Bessie may not be able to tell you anything you do not know already, Mrs. Grale, or she may tell you a great deal.” And, with that, Lady Laura Bond wished her friends adieu, and went out to her waiting fly. CHAPTER XXXIII. THE LETTER THAT WAS NOT FOUND. THE latest lingering glory had faded from the western sky when Dr. Palmer and Mr. Grale reached the Court. Charles Carr had left them at the lodge gates, going back again himself. They asked for Mr. Edgar Vivian, and were shown into the draw- ing-room. ‘The ordinary enquiry, the ordinary servant’s civility, the ordinary aspect of the grand apartment all struck the Doctor’with a2 sense of ghastly contrast to the object of their visit and its possibili- ties. From the window, he looked out on the darkening sky, the pale line of light on the horizon fading fast—as fast, thought the Doctor, as human hopes or human promises. For Nature’s language is catholic, and answers every heart according to itself. But Dr. Palmer was not long allowed to enjoy his silent sympathy: the door opened and Edgar entered. It appeared that the Doctor would have to open the conversation. He noticed that neither Mr. Grale nor Edgar seemed to dream of shaking hands. So Dr. Palmer hurriedly explained. ~ “T told you, Mr. Edgar, long ago, that I thought Mr. Grale would some day seek an interview with you. He has come at last. He wishes to hear all you can tell him of his son, for there is great anxiety setting in about Allan now.” GOMIIGDOOKS (EO)