
A lively salon scene opens with a sharp‑tongued young lady, Coryse, sparring with her mother, the formidable Marchioness de Bray. When the prospect of an arranged marriage to the elderly Duke d’Aubières is announced, Coryse’s quick wit and fierce independence shine through, as she dismisses both the allure of titles and the promise of wealth. The dialogue crackles with humor, exposing the clash between societal expectations and a spirited desire to choose one’s own fate.
The Marchioness, intent on securing a respectable match, pressures her daughter with veiled threats and grand promises of dowry, while Coryse remains unflinching, questioning the wisdom of marrying a man far older and seemingly impoverished. Their banter reveals a world where rank and money are weighed against personal happiness, setting the stage for a tale that balances satire with heartfelt yearning.
As the characters navigate the tangled web of aristocratic obligations, listeners are invited to follow Coryse’s journey—whether she will defy convention, find an unexpected ally, or discover a new path entirely—while the witty repartee keeps the story both entertaining and thought‑provoking.
Language
fi
Duration
~4 hours (279K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Juhani Kärkkäinen and Tapio Riikonen
Release date
2020-07-18
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1849–1932
A sharp-tongued French novelist and playwright, this prolific writer turned Parisian high society into lively, often satirical fiction. Writing as "Gyp," she became widely known for stories that mixed wit, fashion, and social observation.
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