"My dear lady, I really cannot go into such a--purely speculative field. I must handle Mrs. Wells' case as I understand it with the help of means that I am familiar with." "Of course, but, doctor," she begged, "don't be vexed with me, I am only trying to save this dear child, I love Penelope and--I _must_ say it--you are not making progress. She is going straight on to--to disaster. I _know_ what I am saying." For a moment he hesitated. "What do you want me to do?" "I want you to have a consultation with Dr. Edgar Leroy." "Dr. Edgar Leroy? Who is he? I never heard of him." "He is a New York doctor who has had great success in cases like Penelope's--cases of obsession or--possession." "Oh! Does he believe in that sort of thing? Is he a spiritualist?" Seraphine felt the coldness of his tone and shrank from it, but she continued her effort, explaining that Dr. Leroy had been a regular practitioner for years, but he had changed his methods after extended psychic investigations that had led him to new knowledge--such wonderful knowledge! Her deep eyes burned with the zeal of a great faith. "I see. Where is his office?" "In Fortieth Street--it's in the telephone book--Dr. Edgar Leroy. If you only knew the extraordinary cures he has accomplished, you would realize how necessary it is for Penelope to have the help he alone can give her." She waited eagerly for his reply. "How do you happen to know so much about this doctor?" "Because I have been allowed to help him. He uses me in diagnosis." "You mean that Dr. Leroy relies upon information that you give him as a medium in treating cases?" He spoke with frank disapproval. "Yes." Dr. Owen thought a moment. "Of course, Mrs. Wells is free to consult anyone she pleases, but I would not feel justified in advising her to go to Dr. Leroy." "But you _must_ advise it, you must insist upon it," urged Seraphine. "Penelope relies entirely upon you, she will do nothing without your approval, and this is her only hope." "My dear lady, you certainly are not lacking in confidence, but you must realize that I cannot advise a treatment for Mrs. Wells that involves the use of spiritualistic agencies when I do not believe in spiritualism. In fact, I regard spiritualism as--" Seraphine lifted her hand with a wistful little smile that checked the outburst. "Don't say it--please don't. Will you do one thing, doctor, not for me but for poor Penelope? Come to my house Monday night. I have a little class there, a class of eight. We have been working together for three months and--we have been getting results. You may be allowed to witness manifestations that will convince you. Will you come?" she pleaded. "You mean that I may see a spirit form? Or hear some tambourines playing? Something of that sort?" His tone was almost contemptuously incredulous.