sits down.) We now could put a needle through his hand. If you wish—
Professor (to Leonid Fédorovich). Do you notice how the medium's sleep is affecting Grossmann? He is beginning to vibrate.
Leoníd Fédorovich. Yes, yes— Can we now put out the lights?
Sakhátov. But why must we have darkness?
Professor. Darkness? Because darkness is one of the conditions under which mediumistic energy is manifested, just as a certain temperature is the condition for certain manifestations of chemical and dynamic energy.
Leoníd Fédorovich. Not always. Many people have things happen to them at candle-light, and even in daylight. They have happened to me.
Professor (interrupting him). May we now have the lights out?
Leoníd Fédorovich. Yes, yes. (Puts out the lights.) Ladies and gentlemen! Please pay attention now!
(Tánya crawls out from under the sofa and takes hold of the thread which is attached to the candelabrum.)
Petríshchev. Really, I like the Spaniard. How, during the conversation, he—down his head—how do you translate piquer une tête?
Betsy. No, you just wait, and you will see what will happen!
Petríshchev. I am afraid of one thing only, and that is, that Vovó will grunt like a pig.
Vasíli Leonídych. Do you want me to do it? I will grab—
Leoníd Fédorovich. Ladies and gentlemen! I ask you not to speak—
(Silence. Semén sucks his finger, rubs the spittle on his knuckles, and waves his hands.)
Leoníd Fédorovich. A light! Do you see a light?
