ruanshu

How the rest of the guests found out I was a professional magician, I don't know; if I could curse people I would curse whoever let the cat out of the bag. The cry went up, “So you're a magician? Do a trick for us!” Not even a 'Please.' If I didn't enjoy practising my magical art I would have fled; it would be nice to have an evening off in pleasant company not demanding that I perform. In a triumph of experience over hope, I had a small supply of tricks about my person, so was able to supply some entertainment; unpaid. I was soon encircled by interested onlookers, some of whom were happy to pick a card and express a suitable amount of surprise when they found the card they had signed in their shoe. One thing led to another, as they usually do, and someone asked about bigger tricks. I explained that I had not expected to be asked to perform anything more elaborate than tricks with cards and ropes and other small items. I resisted the calls for a larger illusion until I was