business of the foundry had hitherto been limited to the production of
fonts of type, but it was the ambition of the partners to extend its
scope to engraving on steel, copper and wood, and to a special method
of stereotyping invented by Pierre Duronchail, to which they had
acquired the rights. A catalogue reproducing the various forms of type
which the foundry could furnish, as well as vignettes, head and tail
pieces and typographical ornaments, was widely circulated, yet the
world at large failed to perceive the advantages offered by the
rejuvenated and improved house of Gille Fils. After a three months'
trial, Barbier withdrew from the partnership formed for the
exploitation of the foundry, and on April 3, 1828, a new association
was formed between Laurent and Balzac, in which Mme. de Berny's name
also figured, but only as a silent partner. But every effort was in
vain, nothing could avert disaster. On the 16th of April, 1828, the
partnership of Laurent and Balzac was dissolved, the former remaining
as assignee.

Balzac was dismayed. The menace of insolvency closed the horizon of all
his hopes. He had wished to triumph without the aid of his family, to
demonstrate that he could carry on a business and achieve a fortune.
Yet now he was obliged to call his family to his assistance, to cry out
for succour. The situation was desperate, and it was necessary to act
quickly, wisely and energetically, for the family honour was at stake.
Mme. de Balzac, who until now had shown herself a suspicious and
dissatisfied mother, sacrificed herself in the presence of imminent
disaster; she offered up all her private fortune to satisfy the
creditors. At her request, one of her cousins, M. Sedillot, undertook
the settlement of the unfortunate business difficulties of her son,
Honore; and, being a prudent and experienced business man, he was able
to limit the extent of the disaster. Barbier bought back the printing