Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

by Susanna Clarke

It was not the sort of letter to make any very favourable impression upon Mr Norrell. He read it through very rapidly, put it aside with an exclamation of disgust and took up his book again. A short while later Childermass arrived to attend to the morning’s business. He read Mrs Godesdone’s letter and inquired what answer Mr Norrell intended to return to it? “A refusal,” said Mr Norrell. “Indeed? And shall I say that you have a prior engagement?” asked Childermass. “Certainly, if you wish,” said Mr Norrell. “And do you have a prior engagement?” asked Childermass. “No,” said Mr Norrell. “Ah!” said Childermass. “Then perhaps it is the overabundance of your engagements on other days that makes you refuse this one? You fear to be too tired?” “I have no engagements. You know very well that I do not.” Mr Norrell read for another minute or two before remarking (apparently to his book), “You are still here.” “I am,” said Childermass. “Well then,” said Mr Norrell, “what is it? What is the matter?” “I had thought you were come to London to shew people what a modern magician looked like. It will be a slow business if you are to stay at home all the time.”