Brother Jacques (Novels of Paul de Kock, Volume XVII)

The novel traces the entwined fortunes of a newly married couple who revisit the husband's former home and the absent brother whose past choices haunt him. Scenes alternate between lively domestic gatherings and pastoral wanderings as memories, embarrassment, and social pride shape relationships. The husband recognizes familiar rooms and fears being confronted by his destitute sibling, while the bride and relatives react with curiosity and sympathy. Parallel episodes follow the brother as he departs the garden, walks the fields, and broods over slights and regrets. Through comic episodes and tender observation, the narrative explores family bonds, social appearances, repentance, and the tension between public pride and private compassion.