Fifty Years a Medium – Chapter 9, 6/10 by Estelle Roberts

He did so and, in turning to his old friend Hannen Swafer for enlightenment, he could not have chosen a better mentor. Swaffer, who had his own home circle of sitters, invited Segrave to come and meet their medium. There Sir Henry had his first experience of psychic phenomena – a piano being lifted clear off the floor. He said that it was the only time in his life he had been too frightened to do anything but stare!

His death on Lake Windermere came as a great shock to the world. It was a profound personal tragedy to Lady Segrave. A few days later some strangely significant happenings in Swaffer’s flat, not capable of a normal explanation, suggested to him that perhaps Segrave was trying to make contact with former friends and associates.

Swaffer described these curious happenings in a long letter to Lady Segrave. It was the first time that anyone had seriously suggested to her that she might be able to communicate with her husband and she characteristically gave it prolonged thought. It took her twelve months, and a careful study of Swafer’s own book on Spiritualism, to make up her mind what she wanted to do.

Then she wrote a letter to Swaffer. Would he please put her in touch with a medium who would help her to communicate with her husband? Swaffer’s reply was to refer Lady Segrave to Maurice Barbanell.
And so it was I received a telephone call one morning from Barbanell in which he asked if he might bring a newcomer to our direct voice sitting to be held that night.

“But you know the rule,” I protected. “Nobody attends these meetings without prior reference to Red Cloud.”
“I know,” he said, “but if I wait until tonight in order to ask Red Cloud, at least two weeks must pass before I can bring my friend along. I’m anxious to avoid that if I can. I think you can trust my discretion, Estelle.”

“I can,” I said thoughtfully. “And I believe Red Cloud can, too. So bring your friend. I am sure Red Cloud will approve.”
So Barbanell rang Lady Segrave to extend his invitation, but she was unable to accept. A previous engagement made it impossible for her to be present that evening but she would be grateful to be asked to the following one.

Barbanell therefore came alone. Early in the sitting he asked Red Cloud what he knew of the guest he had hoped to bring with him.
“You be patient and wait,” Red Cloud replied, with a cryptic ring in his voice.

With that answer, of course, he had to be content until the séance was well advanced. At last a voice through the trumpet called” “Barbanell.”
“Yes,” he answered. “Who is that speaking?” “Segrave. Thank you for trying to bring my wife.”