If he ever cared for vengeance, he might, but for now, his barely-there politeness immediately collapses into wariness when the Gentleman mentions dreary magicians. He knows exactly who the drearier one is. They'll only go a few paces more before Childermass stops and turns to get a better look at him, frowning the whole while.

"No, not that I am aware of," Childermass answers. Not a lie, since if Mr. Strange survived wherever Hurtfew went, then chances are so did Mr. Norrell. "I do beg your pardon, but have we met before? As you seem to know who I am."