Page:The Naturalisation of the Supernatural.pdf/77

Rh that Robert is dead": the Robert referred to is a Robert Hallett (a brother-in-law) who was residing near my sister (Mrs. Ponting) at Sturminster Newton, Dorset. He had been bed-ridden from paralysis for this last two years, but had recently been much worse.

I at once entered full particulars in my diary. Date, Feb. 15. Message, and time of message, 9.40 My sister-in-law was present the whole time, and can vouch for the circumstances. On the 17th I received a post-card from my sister at Sturminster Newton, bearing date Feb. 16th, stating, that "Robert had passed away, will write to-morrow."

In the meantime I had written to my sister Mrs. Ponting, mentioning my presentiment, and our letters crossed, for the following morning a letter came from her (I must mention here she had been assisting in nursing my brother-in-law), saying, "I was glad you had a presentiment of poor Robert's release, he passed away at 7.45, then Lottie [my niece Lottie Hallett] and I came home till 9.40, and that was the time you had the impression."

I wish to state two facts in connection with the foregoing case. (1) I was not thinking of him at the time, my mind being engrossed in my appointment, and the impression came so startlingly sudden, which caused me to hastily say. There!!! . . . as before stated; and (2) at the same moment, I had a sense of a presence at my left, so much so, that I looked sharply round, but found no one there.

This was my first and only impression during his long illness.

The note in the diary is as follows :

Feb. 15. As I rose from supper, a message came, as if by spirit influence, to say, "Robert has passed away." Miss