Page:The Life of Mary Baker G. Eddy.djvu/97

Rh grand lady which had so characterised her in her youth. Although visiting at a farmhouse where every one had a part in the household duties, Mrs. Patterson was always the guest of honour, nor did it occur to any one to suggest her sharing the daily routine. Mrs. Crosby's servants waited upon the guest, and even her room was cared for by others. Mrs. Patterson talked incessantly of Quimby, and often urged Mrs. Crosby to leave her home and go out into the world with her to teach Quimby's "Science." Mrs. Crosby admits that she was completely under Mrs. Patterson's spell, and says that even after years of estrangement and complete disillusionment, she still feels that Mrs. Patterson was the most stimulating and invigorating influence she has ever known. Like all of Mrs. Eddy's old intimates, she speaks of their days of companionship with a certain shade of regret—as if life in the society of this woman was more intense and keen than it ever was afterward.

Mrs. Crosby says that, during this visit, both she and Mrs. Patterson became somewhat interested in spiritualism through communications from Mrs. Patterson's dead brother. Mrs. Crosby is authority for the following account:

Mr. Crosby's farm was rather isolated, and the two women found relief from the tedium of country life in spirit communications from Mrs. Patterson's dead brother, Albert Baker. Mrs. Patterson had been much attached to this brother, and described his talents and personality at great length to Mrs. Crosby, making such an attractive picture that he became a very real person to the young woman. Albert, Mrs. Patterson