In H. G. Wells's short story "The Magic Shop," the narrator and his son pass by what looks like a toy store that features articles said to be of magic. Led by little Gip, the narrator enters the store like any other parent would when a child requests to see what is inside. Gip's enthusiasm for the different items motivates the narrator to go in and have a look around.

The shopkeeper meets the narrator and his son. He is described as someone who is odd-looking:

The man with one ear larger than the other appeared again. He was smiling still, but his eye met mine with something between amusement and defiance.

Arguably, the narrator's paternal instinct must have kicked in when he sees this shady character behind the counter. He also sees another person in the store who looks even more strange. However, both the narrator and his son have the chance to play around with some of the magic toys, which are actually quite impressive.

When the shopkeeper asks them if they want to see the showroom, the narrator is already confused as to what is going on, and he responds that they do not have too much time for that; however, the real reason, according to the narrator is that:

I was beginning to think the magic just a little too genuine.

Basically, the reason why he did not want to go into the storeroom is because he was doubtful of where he was and not entirely sure of what was happening in front of him with the magic tricks. He felt that the shopkeeper was odd, and so was everything else taking place.