“I will not tell you a lie,” he said. “When I married you, my dear, I certainly did hope that, having you always with me, I should also have the constant pleasure of communicating with my dead wife. For I am getting an old man now, Hannah, and I should like to make sure that there is another life, before I quit this one. But all that I said to you, when I asked you to become my wife, was true. I will make your future my care to the utmost of my ability, and when I die, you will find that you are not left quite penniless. My savings have been scanty, but, such as they are, they will all be yours. It was your mediumship (by which I mean your power of seeing and attracting spirits from the other world), that first drew me to you, Hannah, but if you really dislike sitting with me, I will not ask you to do so again. And in all other things, you will find me the same, I hope, and your friend, my dear, till Death parts us.” “I see,” said the girl, thoughtfully, “I’m to take all, as you may say, and give nothink in return. I see it plain now, Professor, and I’m not that sort, as you’ll find. I know you’re good and true, and that you’ll take care as the sperrits and things don’t ’urt me, while I’m asleep. So, if you please, I’ll sit as often as you wishes, and we’ll go into the dark room to-night, as soon as the Doctor returns ’ome. I couldn’t ’ave ever wore this beautiful gownd,” added Hannah with a sob in her throat, “and remembered the while as you give it me, and I ’ad done nothink for you in return. So that’s settled, ain’t it?--and you won’t never ’ear me say again as I won’t do anythink as you arsk me!” And from that day the séances commenced anew. CHAPTER X. Notwithstanding her acquiescence, Hannah displayed such genuine terror at the idea of entering the dark séance room, that Ricardo had pity on her, and held a sitting downstairs first, at which he consulted “James” as to what was best to be done. By his advice, the black hangings were taken down, and a cabinet formed by a curtain hung across one corner of the apartment, behind which was placed a chair. A lamp was lit and the two men were directed to sit at the table, holding Hannah’s hands in either of theirs. Feeling herself in the presence of her husband and his friend, the girl’s fears were allayed, and in a few minutes, she went under control, and wresting her hands from their grasp, rose and entered the cabinet of her own accord. Then “James” told Ricardo and Steinberg to lower the light until it was a mere glimmer--to close the door--and to seat themselves at the further end of the little chamber.