Table of Contents
Dramatis Personae

Please note that characters are added as they reveal themselves and become part of the story. 

The Melancholy Korean is a former derivatives trader living in New York.  He loves Dante, James Joyce and Flaubert.  He has studied French, German, Japanese, Sanskrit, and Hebrew, but of these languages, he remembers only, "avez-vous un cendrier?"  Yes, he smokes.  No, he doesn't know Korean.

Leon Badges is a painter, illustrator, draftsman, and cartoonist.

Felicity

Barbara, Felicity's Mother

Harry Best

Prune

Dr. Ken Coffin

Broker Bill and his wife Kate

Mumbai

Nicky, the Greek

Blue Stocking

Rev Hezekiah Bartholomew Smith

Kitty

Marco

The Critic

Sybil

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Thursday
10Apr

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"So, the conquering hero returns.  How are you, freak?"

"Oh my god.  What happened, Melancholy?  Why didn't you call?"

"Sapphire and tonic, Prune.  Pour generously."

"Are you okay?"

"Don't coddle him, Felicity.  Where were you, freak?"

"At the Yale Club in Midtown.  If you must know.  By the way, don't take this the wrong way or anything, but what the hell are you doing in my house?"

"Admit it, freak.  You need serious help."

"Don't fuck with me, Ken.  I'm warning you.  Koreans are like Sicilians."

"How's that?"

"We always get our revenge."

(silence) 

"You know, Hitler liked blondes too."

"They teach you that in the fourth-rate Costa Rican medical school you attended?"

"Stop it right now.  The two of you!  I refuse to listen any longer."

"He was a confirmed celibate."

"Harry?"

"Ah, yes, Felicity?"

"Can you accompany me to my room?  You're the only gentleman here.  I would feel much better if you would help me."

"Let me explain, Felicity.  Don't go."

"Of course.  It would be my pleasure." 

"Please."

"Come on, freak.  She's been through enough.  Leave her alone."

(silence)

"What kind of medicine do you practice, exactly?"

"They say he was impotent."

 "Podiatry?"

"Admit it, freak.  You're afraid of women."

(silence) 

"I guess there's only one way to find out."

(silence)

"Ask your wife."

"Is that supposed to be funny?"

"Thanks, Prune."

"You're welcome, sir."

"You're a comedian, now?"

(silence) 

"Give me an hour with your wife."

"Don't..."

"Then ask her.  She's blonde, right?"