This luring is the work of the unsavory du Tillet, an employee Birotteau fired for embezzlement. The Embezzler works in secret to take revenge. And take it he does: Birotteau falls hard. Bankruptcy -- ignominious bankruptcy -- is in the cards. But all is not lost -- not yet. Anselme Popinot, a brilliant young marketer in love with Birotteau's daughter, works to help Birotteau recover. Perhaps together they can recover Birotteau's honor -- perhaps. (Jacketless library hardcover.)