
A bustling charity bazaar fills the opulent halls of the Duvillard mansion, drawing thousands of Parisians from every walk of life. The event, organized to aid the Invalids of Labour, becomes a stage for whispered conspiracies as newspapers fan the flames of political scandal and anarchist fear. Against this backdrop of glittering salons and restless crowds, the city’s elite and its undercurrents of corruption collide, setting a tense, vibrant scene for the drama to unfold.
Amid the clamor, Eve, a graceful yet weary hostess, prepares for the arrival of a mysterious guest while wrestling with personal doubts and the silent distance of her lover, Gérard de Quinsac. Her daughter Camille, sharp‑tongued and defiant, navigates the same crowd in a dark gown that mirrors her fierce spirit. Their interwoven hopes, anxieties, and hidden motives promise a compelling portrait of love and ambition in a Paris on the brink of upheaval.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (235K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Dagny, and David Widger. HTML version by Al Haines.
Release date
2005-10-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1840–1902
Best known for his vivid, unsparing novels of French life, this major 19th-century writer helped shape literary naturalism. He is also remembered for his fearless public defense of justice during the Dreyfus affair.
View all books