Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/444

Rh all purposes, spring up as the natural products of this soil, but only the more to make it evident, that the strongest bond of union is a—supernatural one, and depends principally upon that which is highest and best in man. Associations become fraternities.

The last evening of my stay at the Phalanstery, I conducted all its members through a grand Swedish Nigare-polska, which made a furore. Seldom indeed had “the Great Joy” resounded with a more universal or hearty rejoicing.

The following morning Channing was to leave. After breakfast, therefore, we walked into the park for quiet conversation; we met several people who would gladly have exchanged a word with the beloved teacher, yet none interrupted us, none disturbed us. I saw a lady sitting reading under a shady tree; she sat as quietly there as in her own room; so much is the private circle respected by the members of the Phalanstery.

Among the varied scenes of these last few days was one of a somnambule of that kind which is called a medium, i. e., a person who, in the magnetic state is, or believes himself to be, en rapport with a deceased friend or connection and delivers communications from him. This medium was a pretty young girl (not a member of the Phalanstery), and the spirit that was said to converse with her was that of her father.

About twenty persons, myself being one of the number, sat round a table all forming a chain by the contact of the hands; hymns were sung to cheerful tunes. Within a very short time the young girl became suddenly pale, her head sank, and her features grew livid and rigid almost as in death. This lasted for a few minutes, during which the singing was continued. The young girl then awoke with convulsive movements, and immediately afterwards began with convulsive rapidity to pass her fingers over the letters of a large alphabet which lay before her,