than usual
interest. In music, they had the same tastes, the same predominating
passion for it. Gilbert soon taught Rita to use the violin; while Rita
in turn taught Gilbert to play the piano. Each could then alternate, in
playing violin accompaniments to piano music. Much practice soon enabled
these artistic children, to render such duets with thrilling effect. In
so delightful an occupation, hours passed swiftly by. A series of
selections were chosen for evening concerts. The parents were called in
to enjoy them. In the eyes of the parents, both children were manifestly
helpful to each other. Rita never seemed to notice Gilbert's misshapen
body. She evidently responded, only to impressions emanating from his
more perfect and dominant, spiritual body. Gilbert was conscious of this
fact, and always seemed at ease in her presence. As the months flew
swiftly by; these strange children grew more devotedly fond of each
other. Three summers had witnessed the growing together of these two
harmoniously attuned souls.

"The day following Gilbert's thirteenth birthday, he was depressed by
some overshadowing cloud of sadness. He could not explain it, nor, could
he throw it off. The sequel came the following week, when a great wave
of pestilence, in the form of malignant typhoid fever, swept over the
city. It claimed Rita as one of its first victims.

"Heart broken! Rita's parents hastily returned to New York, where,
surrounded by early associations, they vainly and hopelessly struggled
to forget their terrible bereavement.

"To Gilbert, the shock was frightful! His parents, George and Gertrude
Gerrish were alarmed. They feared for his life! He wandered about with
dry, staring eyes, like one in a trance. He could not weep! For days, he
could neither eat nor drink! At last, came the crisis! Reason seemed
about to leave her throne! Then it happened, that Gilbert grew strangely
calm and hopeful.

"In a few short days the improvement was magical. His beautiful eyes
shone with the fires of new inspiration! Questioned by his parents, he
assured them that Rita still lived. He knew that she was not dead!
Clairvoyantly, he had seen her, more beautiful than ever.
Clairaudiently, he had heard, over and over again, the sweet familiar
tones of her voice. All this through his own mediumship and more
besides. Controlling his hand and arm, in her own identical
hand-writing, she had written to him long messages filled with loving
consolation,