"Flames" by Robert Hichens is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Valentine Cresswell, a young man who grapples with the concept of virtue and desire. Set against the backdrop of modern London, Valentine is portrayed as almost saintly in his refinement, preferring intellectual pleasures over physical ones, and is often puzzled by the desires of his contemporaries. The narrative explores themes of existential longing, temptation, and the juxtaposition of good and evil through Valentine and his friend Julian Addison. The opening of the book introduces us to Valentine Cresswell, who is characterized by his asceticism and detachment from common vices. As he reflects on why he lacks the desires that seem to govern the lives of others, he expresses a sense of isolation in his pureness, feeling like a "saint" in modern society. His friendship with Julian Addison, who embodies the opposite temperament, sets the stage for deep conversations about morality, temptation, and the human experience. The two friends engage in an experiment to exchange souls, leading to a pursuit of greater understanding of each other's contrasting natures. This initial setup establishes the philosophical undertones and internal conflicts that will likely develop as the story progresses. (This is an automatically generated summary.)