Miss Mephistopheles: A Novel: (Sequel to Madame Midas.)

"Miss Mephistopheles: A Novel" by Fergus Hume is a fictional work written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in Melbourne, Australia, featuring characters like Keith Stewart, a young man with literary aspirations, and Ezra Lazarus, a journalist. Their lives intersect with the complexities of the theatre scene and a woman known as "Caprice," who is both a celebrated actress and the mother of a child saved from danger by Keith. The opening of the novel introduces a dreary, rainy evening in Melbourne, emphasizing the discomfort felt by the characters but juxtaposing it with vibrant discussions between them. The beginning focuses on Keith and Ezra as they share insights into their ambitions and the women in their lives—particularly Caprice. The narrative presents their contrasting backgrounds: Keith's struggles and romantic ideals versus Ezra's more grounded perspective. As the two men contemplate their lives, a dramatic moment unfolds when Keith heroically saves a child, a pivotal event that brings him into the orbit of Caprice. This scene sets the stage for the exploration of themes like ambition, love, and the darker corners of society that the characters navigate.