CROSBY. But not that the spirits of the dead can come back to earth.
ROSALIE (_moves to chair upper end of table_ R. CROSBY _crosses to_ R. _end of chesterfield_). Monsieur should go and read the Bible. I am not going to argue with any of you. I did not come 'ere for argument. Most of you do not believe. You are all of little faith; it is 'ard to get messages then. Perhaps it would be best if I did go. (_Crosses to_ L.C. STANDISH _has moved to the back of table_ R.)
MRS. CROSBY (_at table_ R.). Oh, no, please stay.
ROSALIE (_after hesitating_). Madame, I will be glad to.
TRENT (_down_ L. _of arm-chair_). And you're willing to submit to our conditions?
ROSALIE. Of course, anything in reason--I--
(_At the sound of a new voice_ ROSALIE _turns. She gives a little start, and then moves quickly to_ HELEN C.)
ROSALIE. Wait! Something is coming to me. Please--not anyone to speak!
(_She is close to_ HELEN _and looks at her_.) It is a message. Give me your 'and, mademoiselle.
(HELEN _in a good deal of confusion gives_ ROSALIE _her hand_. ROSALIE _stands and holds it. Her eyes are closed_.)
There is nothing but 'appiness coming to you. The spirits tell me you are the favourite child of fortune.
You will 'ave wealth and prosperity and 'appiness. You will marry the man you love, and you will be 'appy all your life,
(WALES _goes up_ L. TRENT _comes to_ ROSALIE _a step_. ROSALIE _turns to the others_.)
There is something I want to tell 'er just for 'erself. She is so young, we must spare her modesty.
(MRS. TRENT _goes up_ L. TRENT, MISS EASTWOOD, _and_ WALES _go up_ L.C. ROSALIE _brings_ HELEN _down_ L. WILLIAM _joins_ CROSBY _and_ MRS. CROSBY R. MISS ERSKINE _and_ STANDISH _are at the back of table_ R.)
(_The following lines are spoken by_ HELEN _and_ ROSALIE _in an undertone_.)
ROSALIE. My darling, I did not know. They just brought me here. You know I would not 'ave come for anything in the world if I 'ad known.
(HELEN _starts to break away_. ROSALIE _clutches her_.)
Don't tell them, dear, don't 'ave me shame you before all your wonderful friends. I will go in one minute--I will get away from the 'ouse the first minute I can.
HELEN. But, mother, there's no shame. I'm proud--
ROSALIE. Tell them afterwards if you must tell them, but let me get away before you do so. (_In her normal voice again_.) Remember now, mademoiselle, all the love in the world is 'anging above you and praying for your 'appiness. Do not let it go for the love of 'Eaven.