The Argosy — page 198: what you’re looking at

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

The Mystery of Allan Grale. 181 people had been known to enquire whether some slight refreshment was not usually tendered before séances, or whether the medium might not introduce hachish or some similar medicament therein for the bewilderment of the senses and the common sense of the lieges. “We will all watch you, Bessie,” added Lady Laura, in her smoothest and sweetest manner. ‘If anybody has drugged me now, we must certainly trace it back to Mrs. Grale’s respectable servants.” ‘“‘Tt is not in that way that she will try to cheat us,” thought Agnes Palmer: and while the rest of the company laughed lightly, she was serious. ‘“An uncompromising girl,” decided that experienced matron, Lady Laura Bond, who was looking at her, ‘‘and we might be better with- out her. But how distinguished looking ! ” Then Lady Laura availed herself of the introduction which had just passed. “I am trying to keep up a little social lightness, Miss Palmer,” she whispered, ‘‘ for dearest Mrs. Grale’s sake. The novelty alone of this assemblage is trying to her nerves: I can see that. And she has her own terrible fears besides.” “T cannot think how she can endure such a thing as this,” answered Agnes, in a low voice, turning her clear eyes on Lady Laura’s face, and never supposing she was running against opinions. “My dear, we must keep. everything very smooth and sympathetic for her sake,” returned Lady Laura, with gentle emphasis. ‘I think a jar of any sort would be more than she could bear. And we are sure to have our reward. A little loving self-restraint generally obtains better evidence than the keenest scrutiny.” Agnes said nothing. She did not like the strangers: she somehow suspected them. The business of the evening was soon proceeded with. It was evident that Mr. Tempest took upon himself the part of master of the ceremonies. He and his daughter had a pretty little affectionate wrangle over the arrangement of the sitters. He had his own way. ‘“‘T always do,” he said. ‘‘I know exactly how Bessie’s powers must be considered, and what is good for her.” ‘Poor dear pappy !” said the little person, ‘I think you must get terribly tired of it.” ‘““T get the commendation of the spirits,” said Mr. Tempest, im- pressively, ‘‘and that suffices for me.” ‘Who are the spirits ?” asked Agnes of Lady Laura in a whisper. She formed her question so, though it had arisen in her own mind as ‘Who are the spirits supposed to be?” Fancy thinking of her own dear dead mother as one of the spirits! “There are some special to any occasion, of course,” replied Lady Laura, in the same tone. ‘‘ But Miss Tempest has her own group of guardians who are always in attendance.” ‘And who are they ?” persisted Agnes. “There is one named ‘Chang-li,’” said Lady Laura. ‘“‘ He was a CORNICLOOOIKKS (C(O)