The Necromancers
Grieving fiancé of Amy Nugent, increasingly obsessed with spiritualism and contacting the dead.
I
Laurie has just returned from Amy Nugent's funeral, visibly pale and drawn-eyed. His grief and obsession with Amy are central to the chapter.
II
Writes an enthusiastic letter to Maggie about séances and Amy Nugent, revealing his growing obsession.
I
Appears self-contained and pinched, has been attending Mass, causing Maggie's concern.
II
Shows a detached but growing interest in spiritualism, questioning Maggie's views.
III
Deep in grief, he is drawn to Spiritualism, reading books on the subject and defending its plausibility to Maggie.
IV
Laurie is in a deeply perturbed and excited state, having read the spiritualist book. He attempts to summon Amy's spirit in the garden, demonstrating his growing obsession and emotional turmoil.
III
Visits Lady Laura's house, expresses skepticism but also intense curiosity about spiritualism, agrees to attend a séance.
I
Attends the séance, initially skeptical but becomes emotionally engaged by Mr. Vincent's arguments.
II
Participates in the séance and experiences a trance, later disturbed by the medium's revelations.
V
Writes to Maggie from London, expressing grief over Amy's death and a new interest in spiritualism, influenced by Lady Laura.
I
Laurie is absent but central; his letter and past actions provoke Maggie's reflections.
II
Writes a letter to Maggie, agreeing to come home for Christmas, and is the subject of Mrs. Baxter's concerns about his religious state.
VI
Writes a disturbing letter to Maggie, revealing her obsession with Amy and her desire to contact her.
I
Struggles with fear and skepticism after the séance, tries to rationalize the experience, but is shaken by Mr. Vincent's visit.
II
Returns home in a determined but nervous mood, concealing his ongoing preoccupation with Amy and Spiritualism.
III
Laurie is excited and defensive about his Spiritualist experiences, having written to Mr. Vincent to continue, and shows signs of nervousness and possible trance.
VII
His deteriorating condition is the central topic of the chapter, as he remains obsessed with Amy and refuses to eat or sleep.
I
The young convert whose powers Mr. Vincent seeks to develop.
II
Returns to town in a state of quiet conviction about Spiritualism, preparing for a séance and reflecting on his changed beliefs.
III
Undergoes a profound out-of-body experience, perceiving space and time as illusions, and encounters a terrifying presence when trying to return to his body.
IV
Seeks understanding from Mr. Vincent, struggles with fear and doubt, and is tempted to continue exploring the occult.
VIII
His letter reveals an obsessive preoccupation with Amy Nugent; his appearance and demeanor at Stantons show a marked transformation.
I
Arrives for the séance, initially bored but warned by Lady Laura of risks; agrees to follow the medium's instructions.
I
Laurie is the central figure, processing the aftermath of the séance and experiencing a crisis of faith.
II
Shows fanatical devotion to spiritualism, discusses automatic writing and his obsession with Amy.
I
Mentioned as being overly involved in Spiritualism, causing concern.
II
Subject of the conversation; his involvement in Spiritualism is a concern to Maggie and the priest.
III
His state of nerves prompts Maggie to seek advice; appears in Maggie's vision staring at a door.
XI
Writes to Maggie from Stantons, describing her obsession with Amy Nugent and her belief that Amy is trying to communicate with her. She appears ecstatic and convinced of her mission.
I
Laurie is at the Cock Inn for lunch, annoyed by the intrusion on his usual seat. He is a Catholic interested in Spiritualism, having attended séances with Mr. Vincent. He feels patronized by Mr. Cathcart's warnings and leaves indignantly.
II
The young man whose obsession with spiritualism worries Cathcart and Morton; they plot to intervene.
III
Sits alone in his rooms, deeply preoccupied with his spiritualist experiences and the upcoming séance. He dismisses a letter from Mr. Cathcart as fanatical and writes a reply, showing his growing commitment to the occult path.
XII
Laurie is depicted as being deeply affected by the séance and the presence of Amy, showing signs of obsession and a transformation that concerns those around him.
I
Mentioned as the focus of Lady Laura's concern; she fears his sensitivity makes him vulnerable to danger.
II
Subject of the warning; his health and nervous system are suffering due to séance excitement.
XIII
Writes a letter to Maggie expressing his obsession with Amy's spirit, showing signs of psychological distress.
II
Quiet and strained, with bright eyes; despite warnings, he is drawn into the séance and ultimately disrupts it.
XIV
Shows signs of possession and obsession with Amy, becoming distant and changed.
I
The subject of concern; attended a séance and is now reportedly unwell, showing signs of severe mental strain.
II
Maggie writes to him, hoping he will come down earlier for Easter.
III
Described as tired, quiet, fidgeting, and complaining of a headache at the back of his head.
XV
Shows signs of possession and obsession with Amy, leading to concern from others.
I
Referenced as the suitor whose intentions toward Amy were a 'false dawn'.
II
Mentioned as having been seen passing by the Nugent house just after dark.
XVI
Consumed by her obsession with Amy Nugent, she speaks of seeing Amy's face and hearing her voice, and is determined to communicate with her through séances.
I
Expected to arrive at any moment; his state is the source of Maggie's anxiety.
II
He arrives at Stantons but behaves strangely, with a fixed gaze and no verbal response, alarming Maggie.
III
In a disturbed state, not himself; Maggie and Cathcart discuss his condition as an obsession.
IV
Appears in Mrs. Baxter's vision with a malign expression, though his actual presence is uncertain.
XVII
Writes to Maggie from Stantons, describing her obsession with Amy and her fear of the supernatural.
I
Sits in the smoking room, the object of Maggie's confrontation.
II
Shows signs of possession: unnatural voice, hostile reactions, and inability to respond as himself.
III
Host to the possessing entity, which speaks and acts through him, showing unnatural laughter and stiffness.
XVIII
Awakens quietly, agrees to never speak of the events, appears transformed and contemplative.
Epilogue
Maggie mentions Laurie's experiences and his current state, noting that the events seem dim to him now.
