'Twixt two worlds : a narrative of the life and work of William Eglinton

TWIXT TWO WORLDS.
CHAPTER I.
EARLY LIFE AND DEVELOPMENT AS A PSYCHIC.
ILLIAM EGLINTON (or Willie as he is familiarly called by his friends) was born
on the ioth of July, 1857, in Islington, near the New River, a now densely
populated quarter 0/ the Metropolis, but at that time almost open country.
The family on the father's side is Scotch, and through John Montgomerie,
of Bridgend, who died about 1630, a descent can be traced from the Montgomeries
of Ayr. His mother, a Miss Wyse, came of a family, some members
of which have held important official positions in the City of London.
His early life was spent at school. Though extremely imaginative, dreamy, and sensitive,
and, as a boy, passionate and hot-tempered to a degree, no indications of the wonderful
power which afterwards developed itself were noticed. He recollects nothing himself, nor, as
far as can be ascertained, is any member of his family aware of abnormal phenomena having
occurred in Willie's presence.
His education was a limited one, being purely commercial, and it ended just when most
boys are commencing their studies in earnest. From school he passed into the well-known
publishing house of a relative to learn the business of a printer and publisher ; but, owing
to his association with Spiritualism, his connection in this capacity was of short duration.
Willie's religious training was practically nil. His father in early life had renounced
Christianity, and had become an Agnostic. On the other hand, his mother was distinguished
by a sweet, gentle piety, and " between the two," he writes, " I was puzzled both ways,
and was practically left to solve the problems of life and religious teaching for myself, the
result being the acceptance of materialistic notions, and the doctrine of total annihilation."
Very early in life were the principles he had adopted brought to the test of experience
in the passing away of his mother in July, 1873, her remains being consigned to their
resting place on his birthday. Mors janua vita ; and so it proved to be in the present case.
Writing of the event, he says :
" The loss to me was irreparable ; for she was my only friend
and counsellor. She left a void which has never been filled." This bereavement seems to