Scenes from a Courtesan's Life

Lucien de Rubempré and Vautrin have made a pact, in which Lucien will arrive at success in Paris if he agrees to follow Vautrin's instructions on how to do so. Esther van Gobseck throws a wrench into Vautrin's plans, however, because she falls in love with Lucien. Instead of forcing Lucien to abandon her, Vautrin allows him this secret affair, but also makes good use of it. For four years, Esther ...