Les ailes de la colombe is a novel written by Henry James. The story follows the character of Kate Croy, a young woman who is in love with a journalist named Merton Densher. However, Kate's aunt, who controls her inheritance, disapproves of their relationship and wants Kate to marry a wealthy man instead.
Desperate to be with Merton, Kate comes up with a plan to secure her financial future while still being able to be with him. She convinces Merton to seduce a wealthy American heiress named Milly Theale, who is dying of a mysterious illness. Kate hopes that Merton will inherit Milly's fortune when she dies, allowing them to be together.
As the plan unfolds, Kate finds herself torn between her love for Merton and her guilt over using Milly. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and morality as Kate struggles to reconcile her desires with her conscience.