"Well," exclaimed Rainey, "you didn't tell her!"

"I know,"Vance answered. "I decided we'd be wiser to take advice
from my wife. She understands Vera better than I do." He opened
the door to the hall, and called "Mannie! Tell Mabel -- Oh,
Mabel," he corrected, "come here a minute." He returned to his
seat on the piano stool. "She can tell us," he said.

In expectation of the arrival of Winthrop, Mrs. Vance had
arrayed herself in a light blue frock, and, as though she had
just come in from the street, in such a hat as she considered
would do credit not only to Vera but to herself.

"Mabel," her husband began, "we're up against a hard
proposition. Hallowell insists that Winthrop and Miss Coates
must come to the seance tonight."

"Winthrop and Miss Coates!" cried Mabel. In astonishment she
glanced from her husband to Rainey and Gaylor. "Then, it's all
off!" she exclaimed.

"That's what I say," growled Rainey.

"We want you to tell us," continued Vance, unmoved, "whether
Vera should know that now, or wait until tonight?"

"Paul Vance!" almost shrieked his wife, "do you mean to tell me
you're thinking of giving a materialization in front of the
District Attorney! You're crazy!"