tance may increase, so that the time
might come when he would not acquire the disease, even though brought
into contact with it. The reverse follows as a logical deduction.
Agnes was born with an enormous stock of vital resistance, which would
operate to protect her from all diseases. But it would have been
possible for her to degenerate as she matured. This I guarded against.
By cultivating her companionship, and yours, I have had access to her
at all times, and I have periodically supplied her with potions
containing those germs which are conducive to health. In a similiar
way, I have cared for her psychical life, by advancing her moral
nature!"

"What is that? I do not comprehend your meaning!"

"I have said that no person is exempt from the influences of
suggestion. But it has been demonstrated that, when hypnotized, an
individual is singularly susceptible to suggestion, and many phenomena
have been recorded. But as yet little practical use has been made of
this knowledge. With me it has been an endless source of power.
Especially have I used hypnotic suggestion for the moral advancement
of your daughter!"

"You mean that you have hypnotized Agnes?" The Judge was stunned by
the announcement.

"I began the practice when she was five years of age, and have
continued it up to the present moment. By this means I have made her
psychically as perfect as she is physically. I have inculcated in her
the highest virtues, and I have taught her to love intellectuality
above all things. Thus again I show you a claim that I have upon her.
But the highest obligation is that which is based upon the good of the
world, and the advancement of science. She is now so fond of knowledge
that she would never marry any ordinary man. There is but one man
living, to whom she can be united, and be happy, and as yet she does
not suspect it. That one is Leon. Do you not see that you must consent
to this union?"

"Not yet! I must be convinced of the truth of all the extraordinary
things which you have told me."

"You ask for proof? You shall have it! For that I brought you here!
Watch what you shall see, but stir not, however great may be the
temptation. If you make an effort to interfere, it would be doubly
useless, first, because I would restrain you by physical strength, and
second, because though you will see your daughter, you will be unable
to make her see or hear you. Beware how you trifle with what you do
not understand! A false