The Olneyville tribune. (Providence, R.I.) 1893-189?, 1894-06-09

selves. i wandered somewhat IN my
thoughts, and then recalled myself.
Have you anything new on hypno-
tism?" l asked irrelevsntly, looking
toward her recent collection of books.
Nothing in book form, but /
have"
A strange idea flashed across my
mind as if by intuition, and inter
rupted her only to finish her own SEN
tence.
"You have seen DR.. Secor?"
She nodded her head simply, and
shrugged her pretty shoulders.
Selma, this is going too far"
burst out wrathfully. ''You should
not do such
She waved her hand imperiously,
and said decidedly:
"Stop. You have said enough"
This was SO unlike Selma that
obeved. l thought her eyes grew
more feverish, and she was making
graceful motions with her hands that
fascinated me. watched her mutely.
Then / grew dizzy. clutched the
arms of my chair and caught for my
breath. 1t dawned upon me that she
WAS trying to hypnotize me. DR..
Secor had initiated her into the mys.
teries of his power. The thought Mt
first was revolving and made me an
CRY. But before l could speak a
heavy sigh came from Selma. She was
breathing hard and fast. Did she
think to triumph over me, to bring
my mind under her control? She
might have strong personality, but
was willing to test my own powers
against hers. l braced myself for the
ordeal, and returned her steady gaze.
The sudden wave of strength which
swept over me seemed to confuse and
mystify her. She sighed again, and
clutched her hands nervously. Then
she gradually grew quiet aud passive.
Her hands seemed TO lose their power,
and her whole form dropped back into
her chair listlessly. A wild feeling of
exultation possessed me. / felt that
had triumphed. She was in my
power. l could do with her as /
pleased.
Then came the strong desire TO
make her love me. l could force her
to that against her will. She could
not escape. had come to declare my
love. Iwould first tell her of it, and
if she refused my pleadings 1 would
command her TO love me.
Selma" l spoke slowly, and my
voice sounded strange and unnatural.
''You are in my power.
She raised her head slightly as if TO
resist.
"Not entirely" she faltered. 81
have failed, but you have not wholly
triumphed.
"But can," answered.
"No, no, shall not yield. You can
go no further"
1t was far away voice, and it
foated to me softly. 1t seemed un-
like that of Selma. The room itself
looked peculiar. There was something
in the atmosphere that was enervat-
ing. My own limbs were dragging me
down heavily into the chair. The
sensation startled me.
Selma, you must do my bidding, y
/ said again, determined to try the
effect of my power. "What l com
mand, you must do.
She laughed low, silvery laugh.
Then mockingly, she added:
"You are over ver-estimsting your
power as i over-estimsted mine. |
am not your subject yet
It was not necessary to tell me this.
/ could see that our two minds were
struggling for the mastery, and each
was baffled by the other. My feelings
were strange beyond comprehension.
felt almost os if 1 was in trance.
/ realized that if / should yield one
inch Selma would triumph and obtain
complete sscendancy over me. A
weakening sensation crept upon my
limbs and nearly paralyzed them.
The thought that was yielding inch
by inch reused me, and | recovered
my strength again with a great effort
As regained possession of my pow
ers, Selma seemed to waver and grow
more nervous.
II shall conquer" / muttered, more
I 10 NV mYSelI. lou Nltlu. i
shall read your life, and make you tell
me Of the future !"
Her hands futtered nervously and
her eyelids dropped. Her whole form
threatened to collapse before me. For
the moment had gained the subtle
power over her.
"Tell me, Selma, what / ask OF
you," / said, raising my hand. "It is
impossible to resist longer. You are
nv subject You must answer me
truthfully."
She nodded assent. and whispered
/ lowly:
Eyes, must answer you; but you
cannot ask me the questions you wish.
l know what they are. You cannot
ask them, but will answer what you
ask
This strange confession confused
me. Could not ask her what wished.
The thought made me smile Had she