The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1894-07-18

and said decidedly:
''Stop. You have said enough"
This was so unlike Selma that
obeved. / 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. II dawned upon me that she
was trying to hypnotic me. DIR.
Secor had initiated her into the mys-
teries of his power. Tho thought at
first was revolving and made me an
cry. But before 1 could speak
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 l
was willing to test my own powers
against hers. / 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 and 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
l had triumphed. She was in my
power. 1 could do with her as /
pleased.
Then came the strong desire to
make her love me. I could force her
to that against her will. She could
not escape. had come to declare my
love. would first tell her of it, and
if she refused my pleadings I would
command her to love me.
''Selma," 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 a 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.
"Selms, you must do my bidding"
1 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 estimating your
power as over-estimated mine. /
am not your subject yet.
1t was not necessary to tell me this
/ could see that our two minds were
struggling for the mastery, and each
was baffied by the other. My feelings
were strange beyond comprehension.
1 felt almost ss if was in a trance.
1 realized that if should yield one
inch Selma would triumph and obtain
complete ascendancy 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 great effort
As / regained possession of my pow
ers, Selma seemed to waver and grow
more nervous.
al shall conquer" 1 muttered, more
to my myself. 'You must yield.
shall read your life, and make you tell
me of the future !"
Her hands futtered neryously 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 I ask of
you," said, raising my hand. "It is
impossible to resist longer. You are
my subject. You must answer me
truthfully."
She nodded assent, and whispered
lowly:
"Yes, 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. Gould not ask her what wished.
The thought made me smile. Had she
the power over me to keep back the
question that was uppermost in my
mind? No; would declare my love
and get her confession from her. l
tried to frame my thoughts in appro-
pirate language, but my mind was con-
fused. vainly endeavored to begin,
but each sentence that l revolved in
my brain seemed unsuitable. My mind
was never so uncertain and lacking in
decision. Could not speak? B0shful
lover never hesitated so long as l did to
declare his love. Was she really ex-
erting a subtle influence over me that
confused my mind and kept back the
words / wanted to utter?
"Selma, when did you see DR.,
Secor?" 1 said, anxious to discover
whether l had lost control of my
tongue.
To-day" she said, simply.
"Did he teach you how to hypno'
tize?" continued.
eyes, he tried to, but have partly
failed"
"Not partly, but wholly" I an
swered, quickly.
She smiled as she answered:
''You are mistaken. You are partly
under my power. You cannot rise
from vour chair without Dermissiou