"You see, _mon cher_," said Gerard in conclusion, "my position is just this: It appears to me that this person, whom I will not name, has been trifled with by Home and other so-called spiritualists to such an extent that his mind is really in danger. Now, although of course we are forbidden to have any dealings with such people, or to participate in any way in their infamous, foolish, and unholy practices, surely it would be the act of a Christian if a clear, healthy-minded man were to expose the fraud, and thus save to society a man of such transcendent ability as my friend. Moreover, should I determine to accept his mad invitation, I hardly think I could be said to participate in any of the scandalous and perhaps blasphemous rites he may have to perform to bring about the supposed result. What do you think of it, and what do you advise?" His friend walked up and down the room for a few minutes, turning the matter over carefully in his mind, and then, coming up to where the Abbe lay lazily stretched upon a lounge, he said earnestly, "_Mon cher_ Henri, I am very glad you have asked me about this. It appears to me that your duty is quite clear. You perhaps have it in your power, as you yourself have seen, to save, not only, as you say, a _mind_, but what I wish I could feel you prized more highly--a soul. You must accept the invitation." The Abbe rose in delight at having found another man who, taking the responsibility off his shoulders, commanded him as a duty to indulge his ardent curiosity. "But," continued the other in a solemn voice, "before accepting, you must do one thing." The Abbe threw himself back on the lounge in disgust. "Oh, pray, of course," he exclaimed petulantly. "I am quite aware of that." "Not only pray, but _fast_, and that for seven days at least, my dear brother." This was a very disagreeable view of the matter, but the Abbe was equal to the occasion. After a pause, during which he appeared absorbed in religious reflection, he rose, and taking his friend by the hand-- "You are right," said he, "as you always are. Although of course I know the evil spirit cannot harm an officer of God's Holy Catholic church, even supposing, for the sake of argument, my poor friend can invoke Satan, yet if I am to do any good, if I am to save my friend from destruction, I must be armed with extraordinary grace, and this, as you truly divine, can only come by fasting." The other wrung his hand warmly. "I knew you would see it in its proper light, my dear Henri," he said, "and now I will leave you to recover your peace of mind by religious meditation." The Abbe smiled gravely, and let his friend depart. The following letter was the result of this edifying interview between the two divines: