“But clairvoyancy, or psychic force, is not spiritism, and those mediums are either self-deceived or deceive their audiences by their legerdemain. I can understand that in some instances they might be self-deceived, as a hypnotic subject, by suggestion. It seems this second intelligence of ours will reason from a false starting point as well as from a correct one, and, given a false suggestion—” “But, Mark,” again interrupted Alice, “you are only giving your opinion and we all have a right to our own individual opinions, and we think and reason for ourselves.” Mark sighed. “Yes, only do not let that Professor think and reason for you. Read your Bible, and pray God that you may not be deceived.” Then, passing his hand caressingly over her fair hair he continued lightly, “Don’t you think we have had enough of this for the present?” “Yes; only—Mark, I want to say one thing. The Bible contains many passages which confirm the truth of spiritism. Don’t you remember the fingers of a man’s hand that wrote upon the wall at Belshazzar’s feast?” “Ah, some more of Russell’s thinking for you. That is the worst of it. Almost anything may be proven by the Bible in the hands of a skilful and unscrupulous manipulator, who quotes solitary texts without reference to the subject which precedes or follows them. Professor Russell has doubtless called your attention to many such ‘proofs.’ Beware of the blind leaders of the blind, Alice. I do not object to the spiritualism of the Bible, which comes from God; but I do make a distinction between that and the modern spiritism, which consists of buffoonery and worse. This demon worship, or worship of spirits who like to assume the form and speech of an Indian child, or ignorant buffoon, is ridiculous. Let me see, what was it Mrs. Jenkins said her mother appeared in?” “In the form of a morning-glory,” said Lissa, laughing. “But I didn’t know before, Mark, that you were such a theologian.” Mark smiled. “I went to Sunday-school when I was a boy, and I had a praying mother and father. Besides, I used to hear the Bible read each day when I was at home, and one does not forget his early lessons.” “Well, come to tea now. I think your ride and talk must have given you an appetite.” “It does not require a canter over the prairies nor a dissertation on spiritism to give me that when you are the cook,” he replied gallantly, and the party gathered about the table. Later, when Lissa and her mother were busy in the other room, Alice approached her husband. “Did I understand you to say that you did not wish me to see Professor Russell when you are away?” “I may not have said as much, but I should much prefer you do not.” Alice’s cheeks reddened and she lifted her chin angrily. “Yes,” repeated Mark, noticing her rising color, “I mean what I say. Russell must keep away from my house in my absence.”