you
admirably!--and lead what seems in all respects an open and above-board
existence; and yet, through some kink in her character, stoop to an
action one would expect to find only in a woman of a thoroughly debased
nature."

He paused, but neither of his hearers spoke.

"It is as if a lower spirit entered into these people at times, driving
them to do things which in a normal state they would be quite incapable
of doing. You know the old Biblical theory of possession? Well, the same
thing, under another name, is to be met with to-day; and for my part,
when I come across the case of a person whose present behaviour
contradicts all the actions of his previous life, upsets all the data,
so to speak, which I have been able to gather of his conduct in the
past, well, I put it down, mentally, to that peculiar theory of
'possession' with which the Easterns in the time of Christ were
apparently perfectly familiar."

"As they are to-day," said Major Carstairs unexpectedly; and Anstice
looked gratified at the corroboration. "It is a strange theory, I own,
but after what I have seen in India I confess I find it perfectly
feasible."

"And you think my poor Tochatti may be a victim to this old form of
demonism?" Chloe addressed the question to Anstice, and he answered it
after a momentary hesitation.

"Well, it is too soon to make any sweeping statement of that kind, Mrs.
Carstairs, but I must acknowledge it is hard to reconcile the woman's
general behaviour with an action of this kind without some such theory.
However"--he glanced at the clock--"if you will excuse me I must really
get home. There will be all sorts of complaints from my surgery patients
if they are kept waiting!"

"One moment, Anstice! I take it you will come back to-night? Though
really it is a jolly big thing to ask...." Major Carstairs tone was
apologetic.

"Of course, and we must settle where we meet. But first, shouldn't we
let Tochatti know that you are not staying here to-night?"

"Why, yes." Chloe moved towards the boll. "I'll send for Cherry--that
will bring Tochatti--and you can allude to your departure then."

Three minutes later Tochatti appeared, in charge of the excited Cherry,
who flew at Anstice, and, quite regardless of her immaculately frilled
muslin dress, flung herself into his arms and kissed him
demonstratively.

"Oh, my dear, what _ages_ since I've seen you!" Her tone was a faithful
copy of the parlourmaid's greeting to a recen