At the Sign of the Cat and Racket by Honoré de Balzac
Monsieur Guillaume began as a draper’s clerk and after marrying the daughter of his employer eventually succeeded to the business. He and his wife have two daughters.
The scene opens with a sketch of his business; he now has an assistant who is smitten with one of his daughters. As he surveys the opening of the shop for a new day of business he notes a stranger whose eyes are intent upon his shop, or possibly on the upper floor where the family dwells. (from a review by Dagny)
First published January 1, 1829
