This French novel, originally titled La Tache d'encre, delves into the life of a young law professor, known for his quiet demeanor, who is thrust into a series of personal and professional dilemmas. The story explores themes of ambition, moral integrity, and the balance between duty and personal fulfillment. With a delicate blend of humor and social commentary, Bazin paints a vivid picture of late 19th-century French society.