The Vehement Flame

by Margaret Wade Campbell Deland

"The Vehement Flame" by Margaret Wade Campbell Deland is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the lives of Maurice Curtis, a nineteen-year-old, and his older wife, Eleanor Newbolt, who marry impulsively after a whirlwind romance fraught with societal implications. The novel explores themes of love, passion, and the complexities of their age difference in a society that has strict notions of propriety. The opening of "The Vehement Flame" introduces the newlywed couple in a picturesque setting, filled with joy and the lightness of love as they savor the early moments of their marriage. Maurice expresses exuberance and playful confidence about their future together, despite the doubts that Eleanor quietly harbors due to the significant age gap and societal expectations. As they navigate their feelings for each other, the narrative hints at external pressures from Eleanor's aunt and the expectations of the world around them, setting a stage for both tender moments and the challenges they will confront as a couple.