The Love Chase

"The Love Chase" by Felix Grendon is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a group of young radicals and artists living in the Lorillard model tenements in Kips Bay, New York, exploring themes of love, rebellion, and a pursuit of identity amidst a bohemian lifestyle. Among the central characters are Claude Fontaine, a flirtatious and bold young man, and Cornelia Covert, whose past as a scandalous figure adds intrigue to the narrative. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to Claude and his interactions with two women, Mazie and Cornelia, as they prepare for a masked ball hosted by their artistic club, the Outlaws. Tensions arise around the event, particularly surrounding the domineering Hutchins Burley, who wants to maintain control over the club's activities, but faces opposition from Claude and his allies. The atmosphere is rife with flirtation, banter, and the mounting excitement of the upcoming ball, setting the stage for conflicts that explore the characters' desires, ambitions, and societal constraints. This opening effectively establishes the social dynamics and themes that will likely unfold as the story progresses.