King, Queen, Knave

ThenovelisthestoryofDreyer,awealthyandboisterousproprietorofamen'sclothingemporiumstore.Ruddy,self-satisfied,andthoroughlymasculine,heisperfectlyrepugnanttohisexquisitebutcoldmiddle-classwifeMartha.Attractedtohismoneybutrepelledbyhisobliviouspassion,shelongsfortheirnephewinstead,themyopicFranz.NewlyarrivedinBerlin,Franzsoonrepayshisuncle'scondescensioninhisaunt'sbed.