_Mercadet_, and took its place as a 12mo brochure in the "Theatrical
Library" in the same year. The original five-act version was first
published as _Mercadet_, in _Le Pays_, August 28, 1851 (probably
called forth by the presentation of the play four days earlier), and
then appeared in book form, as _Le Faiseur_, from the press of Cadot,
in 1853. It is of interest to note that the play was not presented
till over a year subsequent to Balzac's death. The presented version
in three acts has generally been regarded as the more acceptable, M.
de Lovenjoul, the Balzacian commentator, recognizing its superior
claims. It is the form now included in current French editions, and
the one followed in the present edition.

Although _Mercadet_, like the others, excited the ridicule of
supercilious critics, it has proven superior to them and to time. As
early as the year 1869, the Comedie Francaise--the standard French
stage--added _Mercadet_ to its repertory; and more than one company in
other theatres have scored success in its representation. The play
contains situations full of bubbling humor and biting satire. Its
motif is not sentiment. Instead, it inveighs against that spirit of
greed and lust for gain which places a money value even upon
affection. But during all the arraignment, Balzac, the born
speculator, cannot conceal a sympathy for the wily Mercadet while the
promoter's manoeuvres to escape his creditors must have been a
recollection in part of some of Balzac's own pathetic struggles. For,
like Dumas pere, Balzac was never able to square the debit side of his
books--be his income never so great. The author of _Cesar Birotteau_
and _Le Maison Nucingen_ here allows one more view of the seamy side
of business.

Structurally, too, the play is successful. With so great an element of