The Illusionist Page #3

Stimulated great debate

amongst us, hasn't it?

Except of course for your assistant,

Duchess von Teschen.

You seemed to have struck her

quite speechless. A feat in itself.

- Did you hypnotize her?

- In a fashion.

I'd like to learn that trick.

Rainier here thinks you have

supernatural powers.

Do you claim supernatural powers?

I've never said anything

of that kind.

- Then you won't mind a question or two.

- Now let's not ruin it.

You needn't divulge

anything I can't guess.

As you wish.

Your assistants

are behind the mirror...

somewhere in robes obviously.

Lights in the frame perhaps

to illuminate them, or angled mirrors?

That would be one way to do it.

I think I understand it all

except the ghost.

That was very, very good.

Another viewing perhaps?

You must come to the Hofburg next time.

We'll make an evening of it.

That will be my pleasure.

So be it.

Sophie?

And we'll gather

our best minds next time.

You'll really have a challenge then.

Then I'll prepare something special.

Perhaps I'll make you disappear.

My God.

When he volunteered her...

I heard the crashing sound

of money falling on me in piles.

Every lady of means in Vienna will

want to get up there with you now.

- Mmm.

- What a show-off.

His father would have died

if he had seen such a display.

- She didn't seem too happy about it either.

- She'd better get used to it.

- How's that?

- Word is she'll marry him soon.

- Really?

- Taking her chances if you ask me.

- Why?

- He likes to give his lady friends...

a good thrashing now and again.

People say he pushed one of them

off a balcony...

just to cover

the beating he'd given her.

For Herr Eisenheim.

Hello, Sophie.

When I was on the stage,

you knew me right away.

It took me a moment...

but, yes, I knew.

You could have said something.

I thought you'd figure

it out eventually.

Yes, I would have.

I would have come another night,

volunteered...

walked right on stage

and said, "Hello."

And then you'd really

have had to move quickly.

I suspect you would have.

I don't understand why.

Perhaps for the same reasons you

find it prudent to meet in a carriage.

It's just a game

I have to play with them.

I'm followed everywhere. It's-

It's supposed to be for my protection.

Yes.

So, I hear congratulations

are in order.

What for?

They say you'll be the princess.

- It's not decided at all.

- Ah.

It makes a certain sense, I suppose.

We've known each other for years,

and of course, our families.

He's very intelligent.

A little too intelligent

for his own good.

You're lucky, you know...

to have broken free as you did.

I often wish that I had-

Wished what?

Wished that I would see you again.

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