Section 12- Chapter 23: A Village Hall and Chapter 24: The Masqueraders Summary

In "A Village Hall", Coverdale wanders about restlessly for several weeks, avoiding Hollingsworth, Priscilla and Zenobia. He attends an interview with the Veiled Lady in a lyceum hall and sees Hollingsworth several rows in front of him. A man appears onstage in Oriental robes, and Coverdale, recognizing Westervelt, asks Hollingsworth what he has done with Priscilla but receives only a glare in response. After Westervelt's discourse, the Veiled Lady comes pliantly to stage as Westervelt explains that she is communicating with the spirit world and no inducement can persuade her to lift the veil or rise from her chair, save his own behest. To Westervelt's discomposure, she rises as a mysterious tremor shakes her veil. Hollingsworth mounts the platform, telling her that she is safe...