"'Some trouble', that's a delicate way of putting it," she snorts and gives the desk a sardonic smile. Finally, Elizabeth looks up and fixes Norrell with a piercing look. "I didn't know I was a witch until about a year ago. Before then, I thought it was strange, but normal, that I could set things on fire if I tried. I never saw another human or supernatural being while I was growing up. Complete and total isolation aside from books.

"...so I imagine you can see why having a friend would be considered a momentous thing."