Infatuation

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

47434

Title

Infatuation

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this early 20th-century romance, wealthy widower Robert Ladd and his precocious daughter Phyllis navigate the complexities of grief, class, and forbidden love. When Phyllis falls for the charismatic but scandalous actor Cyril Adair, her protective father clashes with her passionate devotion, forcing a choice between societal duty and personal happiness.

Summary up to 500 words

In Lloyd Osbourne's *Infatuation*, the narrative centers on Phyllis Ladd, a spirited and romantic fifteen-year-old orphan raised by her wealthy, pragmatic, and cynical father, Robert T. R. Ladd, the president of the K. B. and O. Railway. Following her mother's death, Phyllis assumes the role of the household's mistress, managing the estate with surprising competence. Her life is upended upon meeting Cyril Adair, a handsome but financially struggling actor with a questionable past. Despite Robert's fierce objections and his secret investigation into Cyril's history using private detectives, Phyllis remains infatuated. She eventually elopes with Cyril, leaving her father's home. The story follows the couple's separation and Cyril's struggle to provide, as he adopts a stoic self-denial to save money for Phyllis. Phyllis faces an internal conflict between her love for Cyril and her father's disapproval, exacerbated by Robert's discovery of Cyril's dark past. The narrative explores themes of parental authority, the nature of true love, and the harsh realities of class distinctions in early America. Robert's worldview, shaped by a cynical view of human nature, clashes with Phyllis's idealism. He views Cyril as a 'blackguard' and a threat to Phyllis's future, while Phyllis believes in the transformative power of love and the ability to forgive a man's past mistakes. The tension culminates in a dramatic reconciliation. After weeks of emotional strain and Phyllis's refusal to leave, Robert finally relents. The story concludes with a tender scene where Phyllis, her father, and Cyril reunite. Moved by his daughter's happiness and witnessing the genuine love between the couple, Robert forgives both Phyllis and Cyril. He acknowledges that love transcends social standing and past mistakes, marking a significant shift in his own philosophy. The novel serves as a poignant exploration of how love can overcome prejudice and the rigid structures of society, ultimately affirming the validity of Phyllis's choice and the redemptive nature of genuine affection.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fathers and daughters
• Mate selection
• Children of the rich
• Husband and wife
• Actors