Even in quiet Chareauville sur Mer high demands are made upon the manager of the “Banque de France”. Especially when you live with wife Brigitte and two grown up children directly above the bank and are thus available to everyone twenty four hours a day. The depression that is prevalent in some regions is not over yet and there are new discussions surrounding the value of the franc against the mark and the pound.

Of course the economy at large is not a concern for the bank manager of Chareauville sur Mer, but here on sea too, the consequences of the industrial revolution are perceptible. Some people are becoming richer and some poorer. The system of the “Crédit Mobilier”, whereby companies are able to take out long term loans and under which there is even some capital participation, offers new opportunities, but also more risks. If André Draveil has to sell his water mill in the near future, who will the buyer be if no more grain is to be ground?

If Angélique Cerny has to invest in order to purchase in bulk for her antique shop, should the bank participate? If Laurent Avernes from the fishmongers leaves his brother Pierre, should Philippe assist him in starting a new living? These are all questions that occupy a bank manager. Fortunately his wife Brigitte and his son Antoine, who has almost reached adulthood, help with his day-to-day business, allowing him to focus upon the real decisions. In fact his only personal worry is the school report of his daughter Sylvie, who sometimes takes school very half-heartedly. This now is a real problem compared to the world economy!