A mischievous Spirit.

Mr. J…, one of our colleagues of the Society, had on several occasions seen blue flames roving over his bed. Certain that it was a manifestation, on the 20th of January last we had the idea of evoking one of these Spirits, in order to instruct ourselves regarding its nature.

Evocation.

Answer. – What do you want of me?

With what object did you manifest in Mr. J…'s house?

Answer. – What does it matter to you?

To me it matters little, it is true; but for him it is different. Answer. – Ah! A fine reason!

Observation. – These first questions were put by Mr. Kardec. Mr. J… continued with the interrogation.

The fact is that I do not willingly receive just anyone in my house. Answer. – You are not right; I am very good.

Tell me, then, please, what you came to do in my house.

Answer. – Do you by chance believe that, by the fact of my being good, I owe you obedience?

I was told that you are a very frivolous Spirit.

Answer. – They judged me very ill in that regard.

If it is a slander, prove it.

Answer. – I do not trouble myself.

I could employ a means to compel you to say who you are.

Answer. – Upon my word of honor, that could only amuse me a little.

I summon you to tell me what you come to do in my house.

Answer. – I had but one purpose: to amuse myself.

That does not relate to what was told to me by the superior Spirits. Answer. – I was sent to your house and you already know the reason. Are you satisfied?

So you lied?

Answer. – No.

You did not, then, have bad intentions?

Answer. – No; they told you the same thing as I did.

Could you tell us what your position is among the Spirits? Answer. – Your curiosity pleases me.

Since you claim to be good, why do you answer me in so unbecoming a manner? Answer. – Have I by chance insulted you?

No; nevertheless, why do you answer in an evasive manner, refusing to give the information I ask of you? Answer. – Under the command of certain Spirits, I am free to do as I please.

Well, well, I see that you are beginning to become more reasonable, and I imagine that we are going to have more friendly relations. Answer. – Leave off the prattle: it will be much better.

Under what form do you present yourself here?

Answer. – I no longer have a form.

Do you know what the perispirit is?

Answer. – No; unless it be the wind.

What could I do to be agreeable to you?

Answer. – I have already told you: be silent.

Did the mission you came to fulfill in my house cause you to advance as a Spirit? Answer. – That is another matter; do not put such questions to me. You already know that I obey certain Spirits; address yourself to them. As for me, I ask to go away.

Could we by chance have had bad relations in another existence, and would that be the cause of your ill humor? Answer. – Do you not remember how much ill you spoke of me, to anyone who would listen? Be silent, I tell you.

Of you I spoke only what was said by the superior Spirits in your regard. Answer. – You also said that I had obsessed you.

Were you satisfied with the result you obtained?

Answer. – That is no concern of yours.

Do you prefer, then, that I keep a bad impression of you? Answer. – It is possible. I am going away.

Observation. – From the conversations reported we can observe the extreme diversity that exists in the language of the Spirits, according to their degree of elevation. That of Spirits of this nature is almost always characterized by coarseness and by impatience. When they are called to serious gatherings we feel that they do not come willingly; they are in haste to depart because they do not feel at ease in the midst of their superiors and of the persons who embarrass them with questions. It is not the same in frivolous gatherings, where we amuse ourselves with their witticisms: they are in their own element and enjoy it with delight. [see the interesting account of another Spirit: Scenes from private life.]