He went over to the open window and looked out.  Neither of the others spoke.  The look on Arthur’s face, curiously outlined by the light of the lamp, was very stern.  He seemed to undergo some mental struggle of extraordinary violence.  He breath came quickly.  At last he turned and faced them.  He spoke hoarsely, quickly.

‘I must see Margaret again.’

‘Arthur, you’re mad!’ cried Susie.

He went up to Dr Porhoet and, putting his hands on his shoulders, looked fixedly into his eyes.

’You have studied this science.  You know all that can be known of it.  I want you to show her to me.’

The doctor gave an exclamation of alarm.

’My dear fellow, how can I?  I have read many books, but I have never practised anything.  I have only studied these matters for my amusement.’

‘Do you believe it can be done?’

‘I don’t understand what you want.’

’I want you to bring her to me so that I may speak with her, so that I may find out the truth.’

‘Do you think I am God that I can raise men from the dead?’

Arthur’s hands pressed him down in the chair from which he sought to rise.  His fingers were clenched on the old man’s shoulders so that he could hardly bear the pain.

’You told us how once Eliphas Levi raised a spirit.  Do you believe that was true?’

’I don’t know.  I have always kept an open mind.  There was much to be said on both sides.’

‘Well, now you must believe.  You must do what he did.’

‘You must be mad, Arthur.’

’I want you to come to that spot where I saw her last.  If her spirit can be brought back anywhere, it must be in that place where she sat and wept.  You know all the ceremonies and all the words that are necessary.’

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 then 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.