vinced that it was true, and that I must have taken on his joyful
conditions when he first found himself on the other side of the veil. I
can only surmise, therefore, that the weeks of my depression _may_ have
corresponded with feelings alluded to by his intimate friend; although
less intuitive, if not less valued associates, may have noticed nothing
but his usual cheery and genial spirits.

A telegram sent to Mr Stead showed me clearly that my inquiry had been
_his_ first intimation of anything wrong. Then, in despair of getting
accurate information, I wrote to Sir Oliver Lodge, who kindly responded
at once, confirming my worst fears. He was good enough to send me later
the particulars of the event, supplied by Professor William James.

It was a bitter blow for _us_, but for _him_ how joyous an awakening!

I am grateful for having had, through personal experience, even a dim
reflection of that wonderful New Life, so overwhelming and so exuberant,
that its rays could reach to the hearts of some of those who had been
honoured by his friendship.

On comparing notes I found that, allowing for difference of time,
forty-eight hours must have elapsed between his physical departure and
my experience of his awakening to new conditions.

There may be various ways of accounting for this. The spirit may not
have been wholly freed at once from its physical envelope, but may have
remained possibly, in some condition of unconsciousness, after the
strangely sudden severance of the tie that binds body and soul together.

_Note._--Since the above was written, I have received an explanation of
the lapse of time between the passing of Doctor Hodgson, 20th December,
and my experience of 22nd December 1905.

On 6th February 1907 I had the privilege of a sitting with Miss
MacCreadie, who not only gave an accurate description of Doctor
Hodgson's personal appearance, and of his sudden call hence, but added
that this spirit wished to explain to me that he had not been able to
get entirely away from the body for quite two days after physical death,
and that meanwhile he must have been in a state of trance. Miss
MacCreadie did not know the name of the spirit whom she described so
accurately, and whose message was thus conveyed to me.--E. K. B.

Some time after Dr Hodgson left us, a friend in London wrote to me that
she had either just read or heard that he had made some communication,
to the effect that "_he was not very happy, as he h