Far from being offended at his freedom,
she commended his frankness with a smile; and, satisfied 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, 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.
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