'Modern Flirtations' is a novel written by Catherine Sinclair. The story begins with a newspaper publishing a paragraph announcing that an old admiral, Sir Arthur Dunbar, is alive and well, despite having lost an arm and suffered many wounds in battle. Yet the man himself viewed this news as an embarrassment and an attempt to make him a laughing stock. His nephew, Louis De Crespigny, finds his reaction amusing and suggests that it is instead an honor. Sir Arthur then reveals that he wishes to remain retired and avoid publicity, particularly because he is concerned about the welfare of his two young nieces, who are poorly provided for.
