This work's protagonist wants "a novel with a good detective story in it", and wants to avoid the "romance and beauty of life" as well as "love's young dream."  This declaration prompts her lover to leave her and vow to be like a brother to her, which he may indeed be, according to another character named Crofts.  In anothe
This work's protagonist wants "a novel with a good detective story in it", and wants to avoid the "romance and beauty of life" as well as "love's young dream."  This declaration prompts her lover to leave her and vow to be like a brother to her, which he may indeed be, according to another character named Crofts.  In another section of this work the reader learns of the "Gospel of Art," a philosophy espoused by an architect and central character. Another character's rejection is followed by the protagonist's decision to go to Chancery Lane to do actuary work at Honoria Fraser's chambers, ungratefully using the math education provided for by the profits of her mother's business.  For 10 points, name this work that includes the characters of Praed and Frank Gardner and turns on Vivie's realization that Kitty is a Madam, a play by George Bernard Shaw.
This work's protagonist wants "a novel with a good detective story in it", and wants to avoid the "romance and beauty of life" as well as "love's young dream."  
Mrs. Warren's Profession