Gargoyles

'Gargoyles' is a romantic novel by the American screenwriter and author Ben Hecht. It follows the life of George Basine, a self-righteous young man who nonetheless lives a shockingly hedonistic life, often accompanied by his best friend Keegan. But the amorous George cannot stand it when his former muse Henrietta is engaged to the famous author Aubert and sets about winning her back. Meanwhile Keegan is in love with Fanny Basine, who in turn also loves Aubert. The book examines the secret sensual pleasures that the different characters in love harbor within an often outward poise of respectability.