
The story opens in 19th‑century Paris, where the venerable gold‑smith house Haupois‑Daguillon thrives under the partnership of a shrewd husband and his equally determined wife. Their relentless drive turns the workshop into a celebrated empire, earning medals across Europe and cementing the family name as a symbol of artistic and commercial excellence.
Amid this flourishing dynasty, their son Léon grows up indifferent to the glittering world his parents have built. While his sister delights in the shop’s treasures, Léon remains detached, drifting through school and the bustling storefront without a hint of ambition. As he reaches adulthood, the contrast between his parents’ relentless pursuit of success and his own quiet disengagement sets the stage for a tension that will test the future of the family legacy.
Language
fr
Duration
~10 hours (613K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Christine De Ryck, Wilelmina Mallière and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. This file was produced from images generously made available by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica) at http://gallica.bnf.fr
Release date
2004-07-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1830–1907
Best known for the beloved classic Nobody's Boy, this French novelist wrote stories that mixed adventure, hardship, and a deep sympathy for ordinary people. His books helped bring social realism to a wide audience while staying warm, readable, and full of feeling.
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