Her attack had ended sooner than mine, so that I joined her there, and one of the first pieces of news she gave me was of the death of this brother-in-law, adding: "Poor fellow! He died from a very painful disease, and suffered terribly. He had grave faults, but, as you said, they came from weakness rather than wickedness. At anyrate, he was humble-minded, for he wrote a touching letter to me when I lost a very dear relation lately, wondering why such a valuable life should have been taken and such a 'useless log' as himself be left alive." This poor man had only just passed over when I joined my friend, and I felt that he was in a very bewildered and sad state of mind. I could realise his presence so clearly, partly, no doubt, from having sensed his character so strongly, that the obvious thing seemed to be to try and help him on his new plane of life. To the superficial mind it appears very absurd, and equally irreverent, to suppose that a faulty creature on this side the veil can help a faulty creature on the _other_ side. Personally, I have never had any difficulty in realising the power of prayer for those who have passed beyond our mortal sight. Surely we are one large family, whether here or there? The best way to make children love each other is to persuade them to _help_ each other. Is it strange that the same rule should apply to the universe that applies to the tiny portion of it that we know? Anyway, I am quite sure in this case that my prayers did help and comfort this poor man in his dark experience. In a few weeks the position seemed to be altogether lightened. He thanked me for my sympathy and companionship, and I have never heard of him since. The caviller will say at once: "Could not someone else have done the work equally well--either a near relation in the other sphere or a ministering angel?" The answer is: "Certainly they could have done it equally well, probably far better." But the point is that it happened to be the bit of work put into _my_ hands, and at least I did my best. What more can any of us say? Again I ask: How about the "_Cui Bono_" argument? CHAPTER IX HAUNTINGS BY THE LIVING AND THE DEAD 1896 In this same year (1896) I remember another curious incident. I was staying in London during the season, and some girl friends were very anxious that I should meet a lady whom they knew intimately and wished me to know also. As so often happens under these circumstances, we were not in the least degree interested in each other; but that has nothing to do with my story. The girls had asked various other friends, but this special lady was the _raison d'etre_ of the tea-party, and they begged me to come in good time, because Mrs Halifax had several other engagements, and could not pay them a long visit.