“Arthur, you’re mad!” cried Susie.
He went up to Dr. Porhoët and, putting his hands on his shoulders, looked fixedly into his eyes.
“You have studied this science. You know all that can be known of it. I want you to show her to me.”
The doctor gave an exclamation of alarm.
“My dear fellow, how can I? I have read many books, but I have never practised anything. I have only studied these matters for my amusement.”
“Do you believe it can be done?”
“I don’t understand what you want.”
“I want you to bring her to me so that I may speak with her, so that I may find out the truth.”
“Do you think I am God that I can raise men from the dead?”
Arthur’s hands pressed him down in the chair from which he sought to rise. His fingers were clenched on the old man’s shoulders so that he could hardly bear the pain.
“You told us once how Eliphas Levi raised a spirit. Do you believe that was true?”
“I don’t know. I have always kept an open mind. There was much to be said on both sides.”
“Well, now you must believe. You must do what he did.”
“You must be mad, Arthur.”
“I want you to come to that spot where I saw her last. If her spirit can be brought back anywhere it must be in that place where she sat and wept. You know all the ceremonies and all the words that are necessary.”
