Belle and the dragon. An elfin comedy

"And then I will be a great poet, and dress like an angel. Do you hear me, you man of clay? I insist on being a great poet, and I will go on the stage. I will get an immediate engagement at forty pounds a night. Anyone would give it to me. I shall act like Ellen Terry Ellen Terry (1847–1928) was the leading Shakespearean actress of the Victorian era.. I will be independent. I can always earn my own living. Oh, I am so ill, Mystic! I declare I have gout in the throat. There—oh!—that is neuralgia of the heart! I am dying—quick!"

"I didn't mean it, my dear! I assure you I didn't say it; I wouldn't think of saying it. You know I couldn't get along without you."

"You have ruined my life. You are nothing but oils and acids. You have destroyed my left lung."

"There is a beautiful opal necklace—"

"I won't have it—opals are unlucky."

"I mean diamonds, spades, anything. Don't upset yourself. Of course, I can't do without you!"

"We shall see," answered Melusine balefully.

"Come!" said the Mystic, rising, "I know this is thoroughly enjoyable, and a storm clears the air. Still, it would be a pity to involve the whole universe in ruin to achieve such a minor goal. I regard you as mutually indispensable. Since both of you lack any real cares or anxieties, you create just enough artificial misery for one another to

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make life tolerable. Be satisfied, I beg of you! You both feel wronged and wretched, but if you go further you will have a real grievance, and then what will become of the comedy of Ravendale which I promise to write for your pleasure?"

Perhaps the Mystic was a "chartered libertine" A person who uses their position to act with more freedom or license than others.. The Gadfly looked heated and angry, but he was appeased by a calculated wink which promised to make things right shortly. Melusine exclaimed, "Mephistopheles!" A demonic figure from the legend of Faust. and the offender bowed deeply. She drew herself up proudly and assumed the expression of a martyr.

"Your timely arrival," said the Mystic with studied calmness, "found us discussing that momentous question which is always asked and never answered—the eternal riddle of the Sphinx, who devours us because of our stupidity over such a simple problem: What shall we do?"

"Do! Who can do anything in this state of affairs?" asked the Gadfly with helpless wrath.

"Much can be done, I think. In the first place, it would be wise to restore that superb screen to its original upright position. Then we may be thankful that some people in this world of sorrow can afford to smash a table full of Venetian glass and have servants to call to remove those sharp shards which might cut dainty feet and ruin silk slippers.