Conscience — Volume 1

Hector Malot (20 May 1830 – 17 Jul 1907) was a French writer and author, mostly known for his novel Sans Famille. His passion for literature was found while he was studying law at universities of Paris and Rouen. For some time he worked as a critic for some French magazines. In total he wrote 70 works, including Les Amants, L'Auberge du Monde and Conscience.

Conscience is a novel by Hector Malot. The story follows a young doctor with financial problems. To escape his debts, he kills an old usurer, who was doomed anyway by the diabetes. But because of a mistake he was never accused. Instead, the charge fell upon a brother of his fiancé. He was accused, sentenced and forced for labour. Doctors conscience is torn apart, but he manages to keep her quiet for achieving higher social status.