# XIII explained — File No. 113

> Chapter companion for File No. 113 by Émile Gaboriau.

## What happens

Valentine senses danger at Clameran and witnesses Gaston's perilous swim across the Rhone to reach her. They meet and passionately discuss their impossible situation: Gaston urges escape, but Valentine insists on staying with her mother out of duty, revealing her fear of disgrace and her mother's refusal to let her marry a poor man. Gaston is disguised by Père Menoul and hidden aboard the Tom Jones for Valparaiso, after a tearful farewell.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Gaston risks his life to see Valentine; Valentine sacrifices her own happiness to stay with her mother.

### Family and Honor

Valentine's sense of duty to her mother and fear of disgrace clash with her love for Gaston.

### Secrecy and the Past

The lovers' secret meetings and the hidden nature of their relationship lead to crisis.

## Character check-ins

### Gaston de Clameran

Swims the Rhone to see Valentine; disguises as a sailor and escapes to Valparaiso.

### Valentine

Waits anxiously at La Verberie; resists Gaston's pleas to elope, citing duty to her mother.

### Père Menoul

Provides Gaston with a disguise and a boat, and later hides him on the Tom Jones.

### Marquis de Clameran

Mentioned as Gaston's father, who is touched by his love and might intercede.

### Countess de la Verberie

Valentine's mother; she is described as hard and determined that Valentine marry a rich man.

## Key lines

> In three years, my own Valentine; promise to wait three years for me! If alive, I will then see you.

Gaston begs Valentine to wait three years for his return.

_Gaston's promise during their farewell at the riverbank._

> What you wish is impossible, Gaston!

Valentine refuses Gaston's plan to elope.

_Valentine's firm rejection of escape, citing duty to her mother._

> I have long since passed judgment upon myself, Gaston; and, although the sound of your voice and the touch of your hand would make me forget all save the bliss of your love, no sooner were you away than I would weep tears of shame and remorse.

Valentine confesses her guilt and shame over their secret affair.

_Valentine's internal conflict between love and conscience._

> She is my mother; that is sufficient. I have not the right to judge her. My duty is to remain with her, and remain I shall.

Valentine insists she must stay with her mother out of filial duty.

_Valentine's final declaration of loyalty to her mother._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/file_no_113_se/chapters/xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/file_no_113_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/file_no_113_se/chapters