Chapter Melibee to Melville of M by Brewer's Readers Handbook

The cry of despair given by the fée when she discovered the indiscreet visit of her husband, is the origin of the phrase, Un cri de Mélusine (“A shriek of despair”).

Melvil (Sir John), a young baronet, engaged to be married to Miss Sterling, the elder daughter of a City merchant, who promises to settle on her £80,000. A little before the marriage, sir John finds that he has no regard for Miss Sterling, but a great love for her younger sister Fanny, to whom he makes a proposal of marriage. His proposal is rejected; and it is soon brought to light that Miss Fanny has been clandestinely married to Lovewell for four months.—Colman and Garrick: The Clandestine Marriage (1766).

Melville (Major), a magistrate at Cairnvreckan village.—Sir W. Scott: Waverley (time, George II.).

Melville (Sir Robert), one of the embassy from the privy council to Mary queen of Scots.—Sir W. Scott: The Abbot (time, Elizabeth).

Melville, the father of Constantia.—Macklin: The Man of the World (1764).

Melville (Julia), a truly noble girl, in love with Faulkland, who is always jealous of her without a shadow of cause. She receives his innuendoes without resentment, and treats him with sincerity and forbearance (see act i. 2).—Sheridan: The Rivals (1775).