La jeune fille bien élevée

by René Boylesve

"La jeune fille bien élevée" by René Boylesve is a French novel published in 1909. The story follows Madeleine, a young woman whose monotonous life is briefly interrupted by unrequited love. When financial constraints limit her marriage prospects, she accepts a proposal from an architect who wants her solely because she is "a well-bred young lady." Torn between her emotions and her upbringing, Madeleine must conform to social expectations and enter a loveless marriage of convenience.