Book excerpt: This novel revolves around two young lovers named Claude and Hyacinth. Claude is a handsome young man who is waiting for Hyacinth in the woods, singing love songs and thinking about the beauty of nature. Hyacinth finally arrives, looking tired and unhappy. She tells Claude that she is bored with her life and that meeting him is the only bright spot in her day. Hyacinth then recounts her morning, which started off with her waking up early and being unable to leave the house due to Lady Vaughan's strict rules.