She was a widow who was trying to get in touch with her deceased husband.
The medium, after a good deal of futile work, said to her:
The conditions this evening seem unfavorable. I can't seem to establish communication with Mr. Smith, ma'am.
Well, I'm not surprised, said the widow, with a glance at the clock. "It's only half-past eight now, and John never did show up till about three A.M."