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This put him somewhat at a disadvantage in dealing with the mysteriousstranger. One or two seemingly random allusions upon Lascelles's part to thefamous library caught Mr Norrell's attention. I ought to warn you, said Dr Greysteel after the waiter had brought coffeeand brandy, that there are all sorts of rumours circulating in the townconcerning Mr Strange. In Covent-garden at break ofdawn, costermongers asked flower-girls, How is Lady Pole? .

Then he turned over the first card. Oh! I agree, he said, that Norrell has never looked veryfavourably upon us theoretical magicians. Importantdestinies were hidden inside pebbles and crumpled leaves. It was first heard of near a place called Penlaw some twenty orthirty miles north-west of Newcastle.