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

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Drawings and Writings Produced by Abnormal Means. 83
perfectly plain on both sides, was certainly the card which was placed in a book under my
hand, and on which, a few seconds afterwards, I found the written message quoted below."
The circumstances, as published in Light by Dr. Nichols, arc as follows :— " While the facts
are fresh in my mind, I hasten to record for you and your readers the particulars of a very
impressive seance held at my residence on Saturday evening, February 5th. Mr. W. Eglinton,
who is to leave us on the 12th for America, wished, or his guides wished, to give us some
parting words and manifestations. There were present Mrs. Fletcher, Mr. A. (a graduate of
Cambridge), Mr. H. Bastian, Mr. E. Dawson Rogers, Mrs. Nichols, and myself, making, with
Mr. Eglinton, seven persons, three or four of whom are known as powerful mediums. The
chief manifestations, however, were recognised as given by the guides of Mr. Eglinton, aided,
no doubt, by the united forces of the other mediums.
"First we sat, just in the order in which we happened to be standing, around a circular
table, when raps came, and in answer to our questions rearranged us. The gas was then turned
oft", and in a moment we heard the deep voice of ' Ernest,' who spoke to each one present,
and then said that with the strong mediumistic power in the circle he hoped they would be
' '
able to give some good manifestations. Joey followed him with friendly salutations and lively
remarks. While all our hands were united he wound up a large musical box and set it
going. Later, while Mr. Dawson Rogers and Mrs. Fletcher placed their hands upon the
'
glass cover, perfectly excluding all access of human hands to the machinery, Joey made
'
the box stop its movement in the midst of a tune, go on, play three notes, stop again, etc.,
etc., at the request of persons in the circle. This is a common, but, as any one acquainted
with such instruments will see, a very remarkable manifestation.
" The gas was now lighted, two burners being regulated to give a soft but sufficient light.
Mr. Eglinton was entranced and possessed by ' Daisy,' who directed the next proceedings.
Three large blank cards were selected from a parcel lying on the table, by Mr. Dawson
Rogers, Mrs. Fletcher, and Mr. A. That selected by Mr. Dawson Rogers was, at his
suggestion, placed, with a small bit of black lead broken from a pencil, in the centre
of an octavo volume, which was shut, and then firmly pressed down by him upon the
table, Mr. Eglinton's hand being laid above his own. In a few seconds the book was
opened, and one side of the card was nearly covered with the following message, apparently
dictated by, though not in the handwriting of, his beloved daughter:
"Dear Papa,—/ am so glad I can come to you. Your belief, oh, how glorious it is!
but still more glorious to know those you love are with you. Please give my dear love
to mamma, ami assure her I am ever round her, and with dear love for yourself I am your
spirit-child,
Kathleen.
" On being asked where she would have her card placed, Mrs. Fletcher chose to have it
put between two slates. Tt was so placed, but without any bit of pencil, and the slates
were firmly pressed together by Mrs. Fletcher and Mr. Dawson Rogers. In about the same
period as in the former case the card was taken out, and found to contain in a very bold
and rapid hand, and in lead pencil characters, the following words
:
"
My dear friend, although the world condemns, we understand. Hope must comfort you
more than your innocence.
'
The mind shall banquet though the body pine.'
" The third card, selected, and of course carefully examined by Mr. A., was then thrown,