The great French dramatist list, Balzac, is justifiably regarded as one of the most significant and influential writers of the nineteenth century. This novel follows on from a previous one using the same characters. In this story, Baron Nuncingen, a banker, falls hopelessly in love with a girl young enough to be his granddaughter. His love and foolishness cost him dearly as he is fleeced by not only the girl but her allies.