But I can't imagine black magic in the back room. He was not even a Mason, as he confesses in the century of Louis XV ... he had debts, editors and creditors harassed him too much to wasting time.
The quote suggests skepticism about the existence of black magic practices among certain individuals. The narrator highlights that the person in question was not involved in the Masonic order, which often draws intrigue and speculation regarding secretive rituals and practices. Instead, the emphasis is on the practical concerns that preoccupied his life, such as financial troubles and the demands of creditors.
This perspective reveals a more mundane reality for individuals who might otherwise be ensnared in mystical or dark pursuits. Rather than engaging in fanciful or sinister activities, he was consumed by the responsibilities and pressures that come with debts and deadlines. This insight emphasizes the contrast between the romantic notion of secret societies and the real-life challenges faced by individuals.
