Belle and the dragon. An elfin comedy

earnestly desire the ideal, then, being commissioned with full powers, I very solemnly invite you into Fairyland."

[A vertical illustration featuring a dragon-like creature with wings perched atop a tall, slender pole. The dragon appears to be painting or interacting with a small framed picture or mirror attached to the top of the pole. A small bird is perched lower down on the same staff.]

[A detailed sketch of a large, multi-turreted stone house or small castle situated on a slight hill, partially obscured by large evergreen trees.]

CHAPTER III.

ALTHOUGH the Mystic was one of the most significant people who appeared in the grand comedy of Ravendale—and the one who, by example and encouragement, most notably developed its follies and increased its extravagance—he was not exactly a resident of that princely home. He had various lodges and staying-places in the wilderness of