“And in addition to its practical uses, it would seem to work for cosmetic purposes. This powder would make my very skin glimmer for eternity."Henry frowned. "Not eternity," he said, but then he brightened. "But I could make you up another batch whenever you please!""I could shine at will!" Magnus grinned at Henry.”

“I imagine that it will not be easy to persuade Mortmain into a bonnet," Magnus observed. "Though the color would be fetching on him."Henry burst into laughter. "Very droll, Mr. Bane.""Please, call me Magnus.""I shall!”

“Henry patted Charlotte’s shoulder anxiously. “Would you like a cool cloth? What can I do to help?”“You could ride up to Yorkshire and chop that old goat’s head off.” Charlotte sounded mutinous.“Won’t that make things rather awkward with the Clave?” asked Henry. “They’re not generally very receptive about, you know, beheadings and things.”

“I’ve gotten my Phosphor to work at last.” Henry proudly brandished the object. “It functions on the principle of witchlight but is five times more powerful. Merely press a button, and you will see a blaze of light the like of which you have never imagined.”There was a silence. “So,” said Will finally, “it’s a very, very bright witchlight, then?”“Exactly,” Henry said.“Is that useful, precisely?” Jem inquired. “After all, witchlight is just for illumination. It’s not as if it’s dangerous… .”“Wait till you see it!” Henry replied. He held up the object. “Watch.”Will moved to object, but it was too late; Henry had already pressed the button. There was a blinding flare of light and a whooshing sound, and the room was plunged into blackness. Tessa gave a yelp of surprise, and Jem laughed softly.“Am I blind?” Will’s voice floated out of the darkness, tinged with annoyance. “I’m not going to be at all pleased if you’ve blinded me, Henry.”“No.” Henry sounded worried. “No, the Phosphor seems to— Well, it seems to have turned all the lights in the room off.”“It’s not supposed to do that?” Jem sounded mild, as always.“Er,” said Henry, “no.”

“It's all very romantic," Gabriel said, and then frowned. "Or it would be, if my brother could get a word out without sounding like a choking frog. I fear he will not go down in history as one of the world's greatest wooers of women.”

“Charlotte, darling," Henry said to his wife, who was staring at him in gape-mouthed horror. Jessamine, beside her, was wide eyed. "Sorry I'm late. You know, I think I might nearly have the Sensor working-"Will interrupted. "Henry," he said, "You're on fire. You do know that don't you?”

“I would rather insult you than lose you, he said, and before any of them could make a move to stop him, he cast both items into the fire.”