“But how could I be sure of it? I think I should prefer you did not have to worry over me any more. I was really startled by a remark made by Major Walden the other day. In the course of conversation I chanced to allude to Professor Russell in some way, and spoke of his being a spirit-medium. The Major turned on me with more anger and vehemence than I have ever before seen in him and said, ‘Bartram, in God’s name have nothing to do with one of those mediums! Shun him as you would a rattlesnake that crawls in the grass at your feet, for I tell you his bite is as deadly, and you never know when he may strike. On no account give him access to your home and family. As you value your present peace of mind or your domestic happiness, never let him cross your threshold!’ I was a trifle knocked out, but I told him the medium had been and was a friend of the family and frequent visitor at my house, and that he appeared to be a respectable and intelligent man. ‘Yes,’ he replied, ‘the Devil may wear the garb of a saint, but he’s not to be trusted for all that. I pray you be warned, and shun the fellow in time, as you would old Clovenhoof himself! I know what I’m talking about.’ I suppose Walden is prejudiced for some reason, but I can’t help wishing Russell did not come here.” “I’m sure I can’t see what possible harm he can do _here_,” Lissa replied. “But about Alice. She was not looking well to-night, and I am sorry to have her oppose Mark.” “O, of course she feels bad, because Mark has forbidden her to have Russell at the house when he is not there, and Alice is very set in her way. It may make trouble between them. I know Mark was angry, for Alice told me so, and she said he should find she had mind enough to attend to her own affairs. I expect she’d let him come in spite of Mark.” “We will hope not,” said Nathan gravely. “Mark may have wisdom in his objection to Russell. I wish he did not come _here_.” “How absurd you are. _You_ were the one who introduced him to me, who believed in him and tried to overcome the horror which in infancy I had imbibed of spiritism. And now, because of Major Walden’s prejudice, and Mark’s fanaticism, you are ready to turn round and forbid a spiritist your hospitality.” “Well, perhaps I am wrong. I confess I have an unaccountable fear and distrust of him. I presume Walden’s warning has had something to do with it. I shouldn’t blame the man for his belief.” “But if the belief takes away all fear of death, why should we not embrace it? If I should die before you, I want you to teach little Lucy that her mamma is near and watching over her. Don’t you think it might keep her from wrong-doing if she knew it?” “If she knew it? Ah, there’s the thing! If we really knew.” “But, haven’t we proof? What human, unassisted, could turn water into wine as Professor Russell did a few weeks ago?” “But haven’t you heard Mark’s exposé of that? That is simple. Mark can do the same.” “Mark Cramer?”