Signor Brunoni’s magic act is the latest popular attraction in Cranford. During her daily stroll around town for gossip, Miss Pole is certain that she ran into Signor Brunoni while he was off duty. Miss Matty and the narrator are fascinated by the conjurer and thrilled that Miss Pole might have caught a glimpse of the mysterious man. Miss Pole is highly skeptical of magic and witchcraft and takes it upon herself to feverishly study scientific explanations for “magical” acts.

The next evening the ladies attend Signor Brunoni’s conjuring act. The curtains open and they get their first look at Signor Brunoni, but Miss Pole insists loudly that he isn’t the man she saw earlier. She says it so audibly that Signor Brunoni hears her and glares at her from the stage.

Signor Brunoni’s magic act astounds all the women but Miss Pole, who loudly reads the scientific explanations for his tricks. Her commentary enrages the magician but does nothing to dampen the ladies’ amazement.

After two robberies take place in Cranford, rumors start to spread about who might be behind the theft. Mrs. Forrester, whose husband fought the French in Spain, believes that French spies have infiltrated Cranford and are behind the robberies.