The woman closed her eyes and sat quite still for
a minute.
THE ^NQEL AfTD TUB DEMON. 201

" The spirits require the circle to be harmonized,"
was Mrs. Fordham's decision.
"Too must come, Adele!" Dyer spoke half
authoritatively.
But Adele stood as firm as marble.
" Adele !" Mrs. "Weir's voice, now sharp and com-
manding, thrilled through the rooms.
" There are other spirits besides Mrs. Ford-
ham's familiars, and they tell me not to harmonize
her circle to-day," answered Adele, speaking very
calmly, and with meaning emphasis.
" They are evil, lying spirits !" exclaimed Dyer,
with excitement.
" From the infernal spheres," said Mrs. Fordham,
solemnly. " I am afraid, Mrs. "Weir, that sirens are
see!dng to possess your daughter, that they may
utterly destroy her."

" Adele, come ! Flee to us quickly !" cried Mrs.
"Weir, in a tremor of excitement, stretching forth
her hands.
"My spirits are true, and I believe them!"
answered the g^rl, resolutely. And she stood im-
movable.
"The spirits will not communicate unless the
circle is harmonized," s^d Mrs. Fordham, with ill-
concealed impatience.
202 THE ANGEL AND THE DEMON.
"Let the perverse creature withdraw, then." Mr.
Dyer spoke sharply.
" Go !*' said Mrs. Fordham, waving her hand.
But Adele stirred not.
" Go !" repeated her mother.
There was not a sign of obedience.
"All things must harmonize, or the spirits will
not answer. If the girl will not come into the
circle, she must leave the room." It was Mrs. Ford-
ham who spoke.
" The spirits tell me to remain, and I will obey
theml" said Adele, with unwavering firmness.
" They are bad spirits !" Dyer almost thundered
out the words, his pent-up anger and impatience
getting the better of his self-control.
