The Lost Girl D. H. Lawrences forgotten novel is a passionate tale of longing and sexual defiance of devastation and destitution.. Alvina Houghton the daughter of a widowed Midlands draper comes of age just as her fathers business is failing. In a desperate attempt to regain his fortune and secure his daughters proper upbringing James Houghton buys a theater. Among the traveling performers he employs is Ciccio a sensual Italian who immediately captures Alvinas attention. Fleeing with him to Naples she leaves her safe world behind and enters one of sexual awakening desire and fleeting freedom.