# XXIV explained — File No. 113

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

## What happens

M. Fauvel confronts his wife and Raoul, believing them to be lovers, and attempts to kill them both. Mme. Fauvel confesses her guilt, but M. Verduret intervenes, revealing that Raoul is actually her son, not her lover, and that the anonymous letter was false. Raoul is exposed as an impostor who swindled Mme. Fauvel.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance

Raoul's imposture and the false anonymous letter create a web of deception that nearly leads to tragedy.

### Family and Honor

M. Fauvel's sense of honor is shattered by the perceived betrayal, and the revelation of Raoul's true identity tests family bonds.

### Suspicion and Trust

M. Fauvel's trust in his wife is destroyed by the anonymous letter, leading to violent confrontation.

## Character check-ins

### André Fauvel

Confronts his wife and Raoul, attempts to kill them, but is stopped by Verduret.

### Mme. Fauvel

Confesses her guilt and throws herself between her husband and Raoul.

### Raoul de Lagors

Revealed as Mme. Fauvel's son and an impostor; attempts to escape but is stopped by Verduret.

### M. Verduret

Intervenes to stop the shooting and reveals the truth about Raoul's identity.

### Cavaillon

Warned Verduret about the situation.

### Nina Gypsy

Extracted the balls from M. Fauvel's revolver, preventing harm.

## Key lines

> Ah,” he said with a horrible laugh, “you look surprised. You did not expect me? You thought that my imbecile credulity insured your safety.

M. Fauvel laughs bitterly, expressing his shock that they thought he would remain gullible and not discover the truth.

_M. Fauvel reveals his awareness of the deception._

> I know who pawned my wife’s diamonds. I know who committed the robbery for which an innocent man was arrested and imprisoned.

M. Fauvel declares he knows the identity of the person who pawned the diamonds and committed the robbery that led to an innocent man's arrest.

_M. Fauvel confronts Raoul and Mme. Fauvel with his knowledge._

> No: her son!

Verduret reveals that Raoul is actually Mme. Fauvel's son, not her lover.

_Verduret corrects M. Fauvel's mistaken belief._

> That, in order to swindle her, he has perpetrated a gross imposture.

Verduret explains that Raoul pretended to be her son to defraud her.

_Verduret exposes Raoul's scheme._

## Links

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