 of his uncommon talents, expressed a desire of being better acquainted
with his person: 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, dropt 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, thro' which she might retire, without the risque of being seen: and
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 newcomer. 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 pre-occupied 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
