“Yes, three; but I do not think of them as lost, only gone before. They come to me at night and I feel the touch of the tiny hands upon my forehead—only Freddie, he never comes to me. But I see you are surprised. As I said before, I have seen much of spiritism, enough to make me credulous. It is a blessed thought to me that my darlings may be near me, and that possibly when I am myself more spiritual I may reach out my hands and grasp their little ones and enjoy more fully their loved presence. I am glad I may go to hear Dr. Lyman. He may make plain to me those things I desire to know, may teach me how to make such things possible.” Mrs. Wylie knew not how to respond to her. There was so much about this theory to which she was opposed. She was disappointed in her friend, and yet she could not condemn her. She took her leave shortly, wishing Dr. Lyman at the antipodes. CHAPTER X THE GHOSTS OF THE CABINET “My dear, I have come to invite you to a real materialistic seance,” said Mrs. Wylie, a few weeks later, as she called at the door of Mrs. Lucien’s improved lodgings. Mrs. Lucien’s eye brightened, and she clasped her hands with childish naivete. “Really?” “Yes, really! Mr. Wylie has an especial invitation and tickets given him, so we shall not feel that we are intruding. He bade me come at once and tell you, as he knew how much you desired to witness such an exhibition.” “How kind you are, dear Mrs. Wylie. I cannot express how grateful I am to you for such an opportunity,” said Mrs. Lucien warmly. “It is arranged, then; we will call for you at half-past seven this evening.” And Mrs. Wylie tripped away, feeling that she had at least given pleasure by the invitation, little as she herself desired to attend the seance. The lectures of Dr. Lyman, which she had attended to please her husband, had rather prejudiced her against than converted to his teaching, and she could not appreciate the interest which her friends seemed to take in them. As for this seance, she would go that Mrs. Lucien might have the desired privilege of attending, but her conscience disapproved of it. At the appointed time the trio took a carriage to Scoville Street as directed, and stopped before a small story-and-a-half house, with an “L” upon one side, and a broken paling in front. “I am bound to investigate everything thoroughly,” said Mrs. Wylie, in a whisper, as they went toward the house. “Certainly, that is your privilege, my dear. I am sure the spirits will have no objections,” said Mr. Wylie.