But Susie came forward and laid her hand on his arm. He looked at her with a frown.
“Arthur, you know in your heart that nothing can come of it. You’re only increasing your unhappiness. And even if you could bring her from the grave for a moment, why can you not let her troubled soul rest in peace?”
“If she died a natural death we shall have no power over her, but if her death was violent perhaps her spirit is earthbound still. I tell you I must be certain. I want to see her once more, and afterwards I shall know what to do.”
“I cannot, I cannot,” said the doctor.
“Give me the books and I will do it alone.”
“You know that I have nothing here.”
“Then you must help me,” said Arthur. “After all, why should you mind? We perform a certain operation, and if nothing happens we are no worse off than before. On the other hand, if we succeed. . . . Oh, for God’s sake, help me! If you have any care for my happiness do this one thing for me.”
He stepped back and looked at the doctor. The Frenchman’s eyes were fixed upon the ground.
“It’s madness,” he muttered.
He was intensely moved by Arthur’s appeal. At last he shrugged his shoulders.
“After all, if it is but a foolish mummery it can do no harm.”
“You will help me?” cried Arthur.
“If it can give you any peace or any satisfaction, I am willing to do what I can. But I warn you to be prepared for a great disappointment.”
