'La Fausse Maîtresse', also known as 'Paz' in English, is a novel by French novelist and playwright Honoré de Balzac. The story begins by introducing us to Clementine, a descendant of rich and noble families whose wealth has been dissipated. She married Count Laginski, a Polish immigrant who is quite prosperous. They are a happy couple well set up in an attractive house. Clementine discovers that Adam has a friend who is acting as steward and general manager, a handsome young man who has been kept in the background. Adam and Thaddee had served together in the army and were close friends, although Thaddee was poor, but very capable. He was devoted to Adam, and had volunteered to look after Adam's affairs since he was worried that Adam and his wife would dissipate their fortune.