E. F. Benson

“ Pocky, then, was clearly the control; he became to Mr. and Mrs. Andrews an established personality with a fund of moral generalities. Very often some practical application could be made of his dicta, as, for instance, when Mr. Andrews was hesitating as to whether to invest quite a considerable sum of money in a rather speculative venture. But, recollecting that Pocky had said that "Wisdom is better than wealth," he very prudently refrained, and had the satisfaction of seeing the speculative concern come a most tremendous smash very soon after. ”

“ Andrews triumphantly pointed out, Italy would not definitely commit herself either, which just showed how right Pocksky was. He rather went back to the Pocky style over this, and said: "Prudence is better than precipitation; Italy prepares before making decision. Wisdom guides her counsels, and wisdom is ever best. ”

“ Andrews very indignant at the suppression of war news.
"The War Office may say what it likes," she exclaimed, "and, indeed, it seems to make it its business to deny what we all know to be true. I think I must learn a few words of Russian, in case I meet any soldier with a beard—'God Save the Czar!' or something of the kind. I shall send for a Russian grammar. Now, let us see what Pocksky has to tell us to-night." ”

“ And as for a regular time for practising it, what could be more pleasant than to sit out in the garden after tea, when you have come in from your golf, and enjoy these warm evenings, with the feeling that we are occupying ourselves, instead of sitting idle, as we are apt to do? ”

“ Back numbers of the psychical journals warned them that patient practice might be necessary before any results were arrived at, the reason being that the control must get used to the novel instrument of communication, and warning was given that they must no be discouraged if for a long time nothing was recorded on the paper except meaningless lines. But it appeared that most people, if they would only be patient enough, would be rewarded by symptoms of the presence of a control before very long, and when once a beginning was made, progress was apt to be very rapid. ”

“ It was recommended also that practice should be regular, and, if possible, should take place at the same time every day.
The idea fired Mrs. Andrews at once.
"Upon my word, dear Henry," she said, "I think it is very well worth trying, for the crystal is yielding no results at all. Psychical gifts are possessed by everybody in some degree, so this very interesting article says, and if ours do not lie in the direction of crystal-gazing, it makes it all the more probable that we shall achieve something in automatic writing. ”