..The argument he was conducting with his neighbor as to whether the English magician had gone mad because he was a magician, or because he was English.

I was told once by some country people that a magician should never tell his dreams because the telling will make them come true. But I say that is great nonsense.

Well, I suppose one ought not to employ a magician and then complain that he does not behave like other people.

Drawing teaches habits of close observation that will always be useful.

How is a magician to exist without books? Let someone explain that to me. It is like asking a politician to achieve high office without the benefit of bribes or patronage.

I know magicians and I know magic and I say this: all magicians lie and this one more than most.

The governess was not much liked in the village. She was too tall, too fond of books, too grave, and, a curious thing, never smiled unless there was something to smile at.