Page:The Naturalisation of the Supernatural.pdf/344

324 and relevant to the supposed personality of G. P. Hart, Hodgson tells us, was strongly impressed by the vraisemblance of the impersonation.

On the 11th April, 1892, the sitters were Mr. and Mrs. Howard, two of G. P.'s most intimate friends. The statements made were of an intimately personal nature, and the whole proceedings were regarded by the Howards as thoroughly characteristic of their deceased friend. All the statements made, and all the references to individuals were correct and relevant. The following are extracts from Mr. Howard's notes taken during the sitting. The sitter's remarks are interpolated in parentheses.

G. P.: Jim, is that you? Speak to me quick. I am not dead. Don't think me dead. I 'm awfully glad to see you. Can't you see me? Don't you hear me? Give my love to my father and tell him I want to see him. I am happy here, and more so since I find I can communicate with you. I pity those people who can't speak. I want you to know I think of you still. I spoke to John about some letters. I left things terribly mixed, my books and my papers; you will forgive me for this, won't you .,.

What is Rogers writing?

(A novel.)

No, not that. Is he not writing something about me?

(Yes, he is preparing a memorial of you.)

That is nice; it is pleasant to be remembered. It is very kind of him. He was always kind to me when I was alive. Martha Rogers [deceased daughter] is here. I have talked with her several times. She reflects too much on her last illness, on being fed with a tube. We tell her she ought to