The White House (Novels of Paul de Kock Volume XII)

"The White House" by Paul de Kock is a story that follows Robineau, a government clerk living in Paris in the early 1800s, through a tale filled with social climbing, love, and funny mishaps. Eager to improve his place in society and find romance, Robineau's ordinary life takes an exciting turn when he is invited to a fancy party hosted by the rich Baron de Marcey by his two wealthy friends, Alfred and Edouard, whom he encountered at the Palais-Royal garden. As Robinseau prepares for the grand reception, he becomes both excited and anxious, aware of his own modest situation compared to his friends' wealth and is distracted by his feelings for Fifine, a woman who works as a milliner. The novel begins by showing Robineau's dreams and the social issues of the time through cheerful conversations and detailed observations.