A Dark Affair by Honoré de Balzac. Short summary

5 seconds

During the Revolution, the Simez family estate falls into the hands of Counselor Malin, who tells the notary that a plot is being prepared against Consul Bonaparte.

1 minute

The novel describes the events of the Revolution of 1789. The family estate of the Marquis de Simes falls into the hands of Councillor Malin. The estate manager Michoux is actively involved in the revolutionary movement and enjoys the trust of his former masters. Only two brothers and their cousin Laurence de Saint-Cigne remain of the Marquis family.

The police come to the estate. Malin tells the notary of a plot being prepared against Consul Bonaparte, in which the Simes brothers are participating. The gendarmes find out about it and set up cordons around the castle. Michou wants to kill Malin so that Laurence can buy back the estate. Micheu and Laurence inform the nobles that the plot has been uncovered. Malin becomes a senator, relieves Michoux of his duties and he moves to Saint-Cinq.

After Napoleon is elected emperor, the Simeses submit a request for the restoration of civil rights. They dismiss Michoux, but before he leaves, he wants to help bring the money buried before the revolution back to the castle. The Simeses and Micheu manage to find the treasure, but on their way back they notice a fire in the castle.