Damaged Goods: the great play "Les avariés" by Brieux, novelized with approval of author

isanovelthatexplorestherepercussionsofsexualpromis cuity and societal morality, written in the early 20th century. The story follows George Dupont, a respectable young man engaged to be married, who grapples with the guilt and anxiety stemming from a recent indiscre tion that leaves him fearing for his future and the health of his fiancée, Hen riette. The opening of the novel sets the stage with George Dupont emerg ing from a night of recklessness, reflecting on his actions and wrestling with feelings of shame and anguish as he contemplates his engagement to Henri ette. He recalls the past events leading up to his misstep, including his rela tionshipswithHenrietteandLizette-aworking-class girlhehadpreviously supported. As he confronts the reality of his situation, he seeks medical ad vice, fearing he has contracted asexuallytransmitted disease that couldcom promise his future with Henriette. The narrative effectively introduces the central conflict of George's internal struggle between societal expectations, personal desires, and the weight of his secret, signaling a deep exploration of the themes related to morality and the consequences of one's actions it was four o'clock in the morning when George Dupont closed the door and came down the steps to the street. The first faint streaks of dawn were in the sky, and he noticed this with annoyance, because he knew that his hair was in disarray and his whole aspectdisorderly; yethedarednottake a cab, because he feared to attract attention at home. When he reached the sidewalk, he glanced about himtomakesurethatnoonehadseenhimleave the house, then started down the street, his eyes upon the sidewalk before him. Georgehadthefeelingofthemorningafter. Therearefewmeninthisworld of abundant sin who will not know what the phrase means. The fumes of the night had evaporated; he was quite sober now, quite free from excite ment. Hesawwhathehaddone,anditseemedtohimsomethingblackand disgusting. Neverhadawalkseemedlongerthanthefewblockswhichhehadto traverse to reach his home. He must get there before the maid was up, before the baker'sboycalledwiththerolls;otherwise,whatexplanationcouldhegive? he who had always been such a moral man, who had been pointed out by mothers as an example to their sons