A spasm of fear shook the gray matter in the druggist’s head, swept through the spine and circled round into the Solar Plexus--where masculine emotions seem to center. He felt very weak all in a minute. “Imogene, Imogene, where is that Flask? Gimme that--I’ve got a chill; I might as well try it now.” The flask, an elegant silver and cut glass affair, had been among the evening’s gifts. It was presented by the old Base Ball Nine. It was full when it took its place in line with other cards, but it was lighter when congratulations were over. It was empty when the Mayor of Kankakee dropped it on the floor by his bedside. Still he was cold, very cold, and still the fatal words “REMEMBER, YOU ASSUME MY RESPONSIBILITY” rang through the chambers of his memory. “Shut that window, Genesy dear, the night air gives me a chill. Shut it tight, no--leave the switch on--I sleep better in the light, and see here, now, my girl, I don’t want to hear any more about that mutton-head Leffingwell. You did not see him or any other Spook, and I don’t want you to let your imagination run away with you.” Saying which, that gentleman turned his face bravely to the wall and--pretended to sleep. CHAPTER VII. THE BOOK AND THE BAGDAD. The fears of the druggist were well founded. That night marked a new era in the Vanderhook home. After five years of profound silence, the discarded lover took advantage of his mysterious powers and became an unsought, uninvited, but permanent guest in his successful rival’s house. From this date forward no day, nor occasion, was free from his presence or the expectation of it. From this day forward an estrangement developed between the hitherto apparently devoted husband and wife. At first, the still charming Imogene was somewhat awed by the unusual methods of entrance and exit practiced by this foreign-mannered Mystic. It did seem so very novel and so very creepy to see a gentleman sliding in through the dado and melting out through the frieze. Since witnessing the swift and scientific pig killing at the Yards, she had seen nothing at once so rapid in execution and so shocking to the nerves. The first time she observed the back of a chair through her admirer’s waistcoat it gave her a genuine chill. Habit, however, dissipated the sense of awe and the lady became amused, then entertained, and finally deeply interested--as a student of Advanced Thought. And further, Mrs. V. soon discovered many agreeable qualities in this diaphanous and cultivated Gnani, qualities which by contrast intensified the native inelegance of her husband.