Marcelo Desnoyers

Marcelo Desnoyers is a French man who left France during the conflict of 1870 in order to avoid military service. Marcelo moved to Argentina where he became the progeny of a rich rancher and later married the rancher's daughter. After the death of the rancher, Marcelo became rich from his inheritance and retired from ranching. Soon after, in response to pressure from his family, Marcelo moved his family back to France and set up residence in a house in Paris.

Once in Paris, Marcelo finds himself fascinated with his ability to sniff out a bargain and make outrageous purchases. Soon he has filled up their apartment and buys a castle in order to house his large collection. When the war begins, Marcelo is envious of the men going off to fight, regretting his decision to run away in 1870. Marcelo also envies the fathers of the men going off...