Childermass inclines his head, accepting this suggestion. "I agree. It is easier to get to understand something better when they are able to let loose." He wonders if Sylvia herself ever lets loose in front of an audience or whether that is below her. Regardless, Childermass gives her credit for it, to be sure.

"What sorts of students attend such an Institute as this?" he ventures to inquire. "What sorts of classes are offered, towards their educations?" Coming from a man who was never offered a formal education in the arts himself, of course. He had to make do with what he could learn on his own, and where and when he could learn it. Usually in what little free time he was given, from whatever books he could get his hands on in Norrell's library.