This forgotten novel by Machado de Assis explores the themes of forbidden love and social stigma in 19th century Brazil. It tells the story of a cônego who, while researching a book about the First Reign, becomes entangled in the lives of a family living in the house where an ex-minister once resided. As he delves deeper into his research, he discovers a possible romance between Félix, the son of the house's owner, and Lalau, a young woman living with the family. With his keen observation, the cônego uncovers the social barriers that prevent these two from pursuing their love, shedding light on the hypocrisy and inequality of the time.