White Youth

Summary

From the cloistered serenity of a convent, the unseasoned Aline Ann Belame is thrust into the opulent, yet rigidly patriarchal, world of her hitherto unknown grandfather, General Belame. A summons, imbued with the promise of domesticity and a pre-ordained matrimonial bliss, quickly curdles into a stark confrontation with a preposterous reality: her intended, Monsieur Cayetane, is an antique relic of a man. This jarring disillusionment ignites a nascent rebellion within Aline, drawing her towards the rugged, capable presence of Burton Striker, a craftsman engaged in fortifying the General's vinous treasures. Their clandestine affections blossom, only to be violently exposed, culminating in a farcical duel where a misplaced bullet, rather than a point of honor, shatters a prized pipe, ironically shattering Aline's inconvenient engagement. Yet, the General's continued obstinacy regarding his blessing meets its match in Burton's shrewd leverage over the wine cellar's impenetrable secrets, forcing a rare, albeit grudging, capitulation from the old patriarch.

Synopsis

Convent-reared Aline Ann Belame receives a letter from her grandfather General Belame, whom she had never previously met. The letter summons Aline to the old man's plantation to meet the husband he has chosen for her. Elated at the prospect of having a home and a husband, Aline arrives at the plantation only to learn that her fiancé, Monsieur Cayetane, is a withered old man. Aline refuses the match and soon falls in love with Burton Striker, who is installing a vault door on the General's wine cellar. When their plans for elopement are discovered, Cayetane challenges Burton to a duel. Cayetane's bullet goes astray and breaks the General's prized pipe, prompting him to break his granddaughter's engagement. However, the General still withholds his blessings, so Burton retaliates by withholding the combination to the vault. The General graciously concedes defeat.