“Perhaps there would be difficulty in acquiring pupils?” said Mrs Lennox.

“No, indeed! I can think of four young men immediately.”

“And if you were to advertise …”

“Oh! But I would never do that!” said Mr Segundus, rather shocked. “Magic is the noblest profession in the world – well, the second noblest perhaps, after the Church. One ought not to soil it with commercial practices. No, I would only take young men upon private recommendation.”

“Then all that remains is for someone to find you a little money and a house. Nothing could be easier. But I dare say your friend, Mr Honeyfoot, of whom you speak with such regard, would wish to lend you the money. I dare say he would want to claim that honour for his own.”

“Oh, no! Mr Honeyfoot has three daughters – the dearest girls in the world. One of them is married and another is engaged and the third cannot make up her mind. No, Mr Honeyfoot must think of his family. His money is quite tied up.”

“Then I can tell you my hope with a clear conscience! Why should I not lend you the money?”

Mr Segundus was all amazement and for several moments quite at a loss for an answer. “You are very kind, madam!” he stammered at last.

Mrs Lennox smiled. “No, sir. I am not. If magic is as popular as you say – and I shall, of course, ascertain the opinion of other people upon this point – then I believe the profits will be handsome.”

“But my experience of business is woefully small,” said Mr Segundus. “I should fear to make a mistake and lose you your money. No, you are very kind and I thank you with all my heart, but I must decline.”

“Well, if you dislike the notion of becoming a borrower of money – and I know it does not suit everyone – then that is easily solved. The school shall be mine – mine alone. I will bear the expence and the risk. You will be master of the school and our names will appear upon the prospectus together. After all, what better purpose for this house could there be than as a school for magicians? As a residence it has many drawbacks, but its advantages as a school are considerable. It is a very isolated situation. There is no shooting to speak of. There would be little opportunity for the young men to gamble or hunt. Their pleasures will be quite restricted and so they will apply themselves to their studies.”

“I would not chuse young men who gamble!” said Mr Segundus, rather shocked.

She smiled again. “I do not believe you have ever given your friends a moment’s anxiety – except for worrying that this wicked world would quickly take advantage of someone so honest.”

After dinner Mr Segundus dutifully returned to the library and in the early evening he took his leave of the two ladies. They parted in a most friendly manner and with a promise on Mrs Lennox’s side that she would soon invite him to Bath.