We can never say
that any of those means are superseded--only others are substituted; and
we do not understand the substitution."
"You are unfortunate," said the doctor, with a triumphant gravity. "If
you admit that supernatural agencies ever have--in any stage of the
world, in any place, way, or manner, or by any means--had to do with
earthly things, or have to do in those days, or will have to do in any
future time or place on the earth's surface, your admission closes up
your mouth for ever."
"To do, in those days, on this night, not many hours agone!" cried
Graeme, with rolling eyes. "Who cares for admissions of those who see,
when one's own eyes are nearer the brain than are the eyes or lips of
him who admits, or of him who denies?"
"Not hours ago!" said the doctor, fixing his big eyes on the face of
Graeme; "and so near a birth?"
"Oh, she knows nothing," said Graeme.
"And I am supremely ignorant," said I.
"Of what?" inquired Rogers, turning his face again to Graeme, as if he
would take him into his mouth.
But just as he expected an answer, a slight rap sounded from the door.
Rogers himself opened it, and found that the call was for him. Graeme
and I were left again together, but not to resume the former silence.
"I did not ask you," said he, "what you thought of the figure in the
wood, for I expected nothing but a sceptical sneer.
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