The White House (Novels of Paul de Kock Volume XII)

In the bustling summer of 1825, a modest government clerk named Robeneau steps out of the Treasury’s marble corridors, clutching a hefty green portfolio that marks his ambition. As he makes his way to a humble restaurant, he is intercepted by two dashing young gentlemen whose witty barbs about fashion and wealth instantly spark a lively exchange. Their banter reveals a world where status is both flaunted and mocked, and Robeneau’s good‑natured retorts hint at a clever mind beneath his unassuming exterior.

The story unfolds as these three men navigate the social currents of a city where political duty and personal desire collide. Through witty dialogue and keen observations, the narrative paints a vivid picture of early‑19th‑century life, drawing listeners into a world of etiquette, rivalry, and the quiet aspirations of an ordinary clerk who dares to mingle with the elite.