nay,
she began to catechise him upon the private history of divers great
families, in which he happened to be well versed: and he, in a
mysterious manner, dropped such artful hints of his knowledge, that
she was amazed at his capacity, and actually asked if his art was
communicable. The conjurer replied in the affirmative; but, at the same
time, gave her to understand, that it was attainable by those only who
were pure and undefiled in point of chastity and honour, or such as, by
a long course of penitence, had weaned themselves from all attachments
to the flesh. She not only disapproved, but seemed to doubt the truth
of this assertion; telling him, with a look of disdain, that his art
was not worth having, if one could not use it for the benefit of
one's pleasure; she had even penetration enough to take notice of
an inconsistency in what he had advanced; and asked, why he himself
exercised his knowledge for hire, if he was so much detached from all
worldly concerns. "Come, come, doctor," added she, "you are in the right
to be cautious against impertinent curiosity, but, perhaps, I may make
it worth your while to be communicative."

These overtures were interrupted by a rap at the door, signifying the
approach of another client; upon which the lady inquired for his private
passage, through which she might retire, without the risk of being seen.
When she understood he was deficient in that convenience, she withdrew
into an empty room adjoining to the audience-chamber, in order to
conceal herself from the observation of the new-comer. This was no other
than the inamorata, who came, by appointment, to receive the solution of
her doubts; and the misanthrope, glad of an opportunity to expose her to
the censure of such an indefatigable minister of fame as the person
who he knew would listen from the next apartment, laid her under the
necessity of refreshing his remembrance with a recapitulation of her
former confession, which was almost finished, when she was alarmed by a
noise at the door, occasioned by two gentlemen, who attempted to enter
by force.

Terrified at this uproar, which disconcerted the magician himself, she
ran for shelter into the place which was preoccupied by the other lady,
who, hearing this disturbance, had closed the window-shutters, that she
might have the better chance of remaining unknown. Here they ensconced
themselves in the utmost consternation, while the necromancer, after
some recollection, ord