# XIX explained — File No. 113

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

## What happens

Raoul, following the plan set by Louis, works to regain Mme. Fauvel's trust and affection while Louis is away. He succeeds so well that even Madeleine begins to doubt her earlier suspicions. When Louis returns, he reveals his ambition to become a wealthy iron-founder and pressures Raoul to continue their scheme, leading to a heated argument about morality and their share of the profits. They eventually reach an agreement, after which Raoul's behavior becomes increasingly extravagant and demanding, draining Mme. Fauvel and Madeleine's resources. They are forced to economize and eventually hand over Mme. Fauvel's diamonds to Raoul to pawn.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance

Raoul masterfully feigns affection and reform to deceive Mme. Fauvel, while Louis and Raoul plot behind the scenes.

### Family and Honor

Mme. Fauvel's maternal love for Raoul blinds her to his schemes, and the family's honor is threatened by the conspiracy.

### Class and Ambition

Louis aspires to be recognized as a wealthy iron-founder rather than a marquis, reflecting the shifting values of social status.

## Character check-ins

### Raoul de Lagors

Executes the plan to regain Mme. Fauvel's trust, but later becomes more demanding and reckless, pawning her diamonds.

### Mme. Fauvel

Initially happy with Raoul's reformed behavior, but soon suffers from his renewed extravagance and is forced to give up her diamonds.

### Marquis de Clameran

Returns from Oloron, reveals his ambition to be an iron-founder, and pressures Raoul to continue their scheme.

### Madeleine

Begins to doubt her earlier prejudice against Raoul, but later silently supports her aunt as their resources are drained.

### André Fauvel

Mentions the ladies' spending but remains unaware of the true situation.

### Manuel

Enters Louis's service as his driver after inheriting a fortune from Gaston.

## Key lines

> Never were more irresistible fascinations employed for the accomplishment of a wicked object.

Raoul used his charm and allure to carry out his evil plans more effectively than anyone else could.

_Highlights Raoul's manipulative skill in deceiving Mme. Fauvel._

> I have never been rich enough to be honest

Raoul claims that poverty forced him into dishonesty, implying that wealth would allow him to be virtuous.

_Reflects the theme of class and ambition, and Raoul's moral justification._

> Give me the jewels; I will take them to the pawnbroker’s.

Raoul demands Mme. Fauvel's diamonds to pawn for money, showing his ruthlessness.

_A turning point where Raoul's greed overcomes any remaining compassion._

## Links

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