The Spirit and the roses

Emma D…, a lovely little girl, dead at the age of 7, after six months of sufferings, hardly ate anything more during the last six weeks before passing away.

Evocation.

Answer. – Here I am, madam. What do you want?

To know where you are; whether you are happy and why God inflicted upon your charming mother and your sisters so great a sorrow as that of losing you?

Answer. – I am in the midst of good Spirits, who love me and instruct me; I am happy, very happy. My passage among you was a remnant of physical trial. I suffered, but that suffering was nothing; it purified my soul and, at the same time, devastated my poor body. Now I learn the life of the soul; I am reincarnated, but as a guardian Spirit. I am in a world where none of us tarries except as long as the teachings given to us by the Great Spirits last. Apart from this, I travel, forestalling misfortunes, warding off temptations. I am often here. There are so many poor black people! I always pitied them, but now I love them. Yes, I love them, poor souls! Among them there are many good ones, better than their masters; and even those who are idle are to be pitied. My dear mother, I often go to her. And when she feels her heart strengthened, it was I who poured the divine balm upon her. But she must suffer. Ah! later everything will be forgotten. And Lúcia, my beloved Lúcia will be with me before all others. But the others will come. To die is nothing; nothing: one changes body, that is all. I no longer have that affliction that made me an object of horror to everyone. I am happier and, at night, I bend over my mother and kiss her; she feels nothing, but she dreams of me and sees me as I was before my horrible illness. Understand, madam, that I am happy. I wanted roses from the corner of the garden where I once used to go to sleep. I suggested to Lúcia the idea of offering them to me. I loved roses so! That is why I always go there. I have roses there; but Lúcia sleeps daily in my old place and every day I come to her side; I love her so!

My dear child, could I not see you?

Answer. – No; not yet. You cannot see me; but look at the ray of sunlight on your table: I am going to pass through it. Thank you for having evoked me. Be indulgent toward my sisters. Farewell.

The Spirit disappeared, for an instant casting a shadow over the ray of sunlight which continued. The roses having been placed in the cherished little corner, three days later the medium, while writing a letter, found coming to her pen the word thank you, as well as the signature of the child, who made her write: “Begin your letter again; what a pity! but I am so happy to have a medium! I will return. Thank you for the roses. Farewell!