I watched his tall formidable body with wonder, his features carved in stone. His long dark coat and expensive shoes spoke of the strength of his personality. He wouldn't talk much the slight tilt of his head here and the frowned brow there. Sometimes I would go on and on rambling about my past but he would just sit there on his rocking chair, spectacles on his nose and his head bent reading some thick, leather bounded book. I worked and learnt incredibly under his strict gaze and longed for a gesture of encouragement. Usually it was just a disapproving nod, beckoning me to recognize my blunders in an apparently perfect work. The only time he showed any sign of satisfaction was when I showed him the trick after practising for a whole month. And then too it was just a slight curve of the lip and the nod of his head. Wherever he went people got attracted to him like a magnet, but at the same time there was a repulsion force around him. In his youth he was at the top rung of the ladder of success; the most cherished illusionist. "Mr Perceival!" a gentleman greeted us. He introduced me to all respectable looking people, explaining that it would help my business. A beautiful looking young lady passed us and looked at him indifferently. "Miss Elaine, would you care to.......?" He beckoned her to join us. "I am sorry but I have to go, my father is waiting for me over there." she replied sweetly. "Your....?" he murmured. "Yes," she smiled. He rose to depart. "Teacher, so early?" He rushed towards the door. I realized he was only human when he broke into sobs as soon as we reached the house. "Teacher? Teacher?" I panicked when he didn't replied. "My only daughter....after such a long time......her new father." He choked and just sat there sobbing.