Till now, upon these occasions, with her black ceremonial dress, her air of aloofness, her vague eyes, and the dignity of her carriage, she had already produced some part of their effect before the seance had begun.

She had been wont to sail into the room, distant, mystical.

She had her audience already expectant of mysteries, prepared for marvels.

Her work was already half done.

But now of all that help she was deprived.