Admit everything, but that doesn't stop the humiliation

"All right," Eva started giving in, "I suppose you have bested me. I admit that I can not explain these occurrences, so it appears to me that you are a practitioner of real magic."

Corwin smirked, "Very well. I shall return you your clothing, and free you from this prison."

And so it was - Eva's clothing returned to her body as the audience boo'ed and jeered, and with a ruddy blush she turned to flee the scene when Corwin beckoned to her.

"But, alas, my dear, I must confess one thing..."

"What... what is that?" Eva asked with timidity.

"You were correct all along. Everything that has transpired has, indeed, been trickery and illusion. The sets and effects have been designed by myself and some American visitors, the Brothers Houdini," he mentioned as two curly-haired brothers emerged from under the stage, "everybody give your applause to Harry and Dash!"

With that the audience roared in applause as Eva blushed even harder. Had she bothered to read more on this ball rather than show up uninvited, she would have understood that Corwin and the Houdinis were expressly hired for illusion, and only claimed magical powers for theatrical purposes.

"But... but how? And... why?"

"True magicians never reveal their secrets so easily, my love. And I felt you needed to be punished for your haughtiness, especially after you called this spectacle a scam. Plenty of so-called mediums, psychics, and tellers of fortune make livings preying on the **** and those desirous of speaking with their dearly-departeds. You ought to have spent your time exposing such heinous charlatans rather than illusionists such as ourselves."

Eva just stared at the three slack-jawed before Corwin interrupted her confused thoughts. "Now, get thee hence before we do the tricks once more!"

With that, Eva fled into the audience, deeply embarrassed and humiliated for what had just happened.