hall. Her face was flushed, her eyes lit with indignation and
excitement. In her hand she held an open letter.

As though to protect Vera, both Vance and his wife moved between
her and their visitor, but, disregarding them, Miss Coates at
once singled out the girl as her opponent.

"You are the young woman they call Vera, I believe," she said.
"I have a note here from Mr. Hallowell telling me you are giving
a seance tonight at his house. That you propose to exhibit the
spirit of my mother. That is an insult to the memory of my
mother and to me. And I warn you, if you attempt such a thing, I
will prevent it."

There was a pause. When Vera spoke it was in the tone of every-
day politeness. Her voice was even and steady.

"You have been misinformed," she said, "there will be no seance
tonight."

Vance turned to Vera, and, in a voice lower than her own, but
sufficiently loud to include Miss Coates, said: "I don't think
we told you that Mr. Hallowell himself insists that this lady
and her friends be present."

"Her presence makes no difference," said Vera quietly. "There
will be no seance tonight. I will tell you about it later,
Paul," she added. She started toward the door, but Miss Coates
moved as though to intercept her.