In the perfumery shop of Caesar Birotteau, Du Tillet, the clerk, is discovered in the act of taking money from the till, and dismissed. Du Tillet, in revenge, goes to Roguin, solicitor to Birotteau, and with him plots to ruin the latter, ...See moreIn the perfumery shop of Caesar Birotteau, Du Tillet, the clerk, is discovered in the act of taking money from the till, and dismissed. Du Tillet, in revenge, goes to Roguin, solicitor to Birotteau, and with him plots to ruin the latter, who is persuaded to sign a deed giving Roguin control of his wealth. The day comes when the lawyer prepares for flight, but he is discovered by his confederate, who forces 100,000 francs from the other, in return for which he gives him a note acknowledging his complicity in the now accomplished embezzlement. Birotteau, calling on his lawyer, learns of his ruin, and to his bitter sorrow, puts up his beloved property for sale, and becomes bankrupt. Here ensues a very effective scene, showing the old man's last parting from the abode of his former success. Shortly afterwards, however, Cesarine, the fiancé of Birotteau's daughter, receives a note from Roguin, disclosing the confession of Du Tillet, and going to the latter, forces him to return the money, on threat of exposure. Birotteau's credit is re-established, and the opening of the shop is made the occasion of a great reception, but in the midst of it, Birotteau, overcome by his sudden change of fortune, sinks back in his chair, killed by his new happiness. Written by
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