"Why do you want to see Mademoiselle Malvina?" inquired the
Professor.

"It is something very private," said Victor.

"We wanted to ask her a great favour," said Victoria.

"I'm sorry," said the Professor, "but she isn't in. At least, I
don't think so." (The Professor never was quite sure. "She slips
in and out making no more noise than a wind-driven rose leaf," was
Mrs. Muldoon's explanation.) "Hadn't you better tell me? Leave me
to put it to her."

They looked at one another. It would never do to offend the wise
and learned Christopher. Besides, a magician, it is to be assumed,
has more ways than one of learning what people are thinking.

"It is about mamma," explained Victoria. "We wondered if Malvina
would mind changing her."

The Professor had been reading up Malvina. It flashed across him
that this had always been her speciality: Changing people. How had
the Arlington twins discovered it? And why did they want their
mother changed? And what did they want her changed into? It was
shocking when you come to think of it! The Professor became
suddenly so stern, that if the twins could have seen his
expression--which, owing to the fading light, they couldn't--they
would have been too frightened to answer.

"Why do you want your mother changed?" demanded the Professor. Even