# II: Josephine Balsamo Born in 1788 explained — Memoirs of Arsène Lupin

> Chapter companion for Memoirs of Arsène Lupin by Maurice Leblanc.

## What happens

The chapter introduces the enigmatic Countess of Cagliostro, who claims descent from the famous Joseph Balsamo. Baron Godfrey d'Etigues reads a memorandum detailing her mysterious background, her influence at the court of Napoleon III, and a police report suggesting she is the daughter of Joseph Balsamo and Josephine de Beauharnais, born in 1788. The Prince of Arcola confirms her identity, but the Countess responds with mocking irony.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Identity

Josephine Balsamo's claims of being Cagliostro's daughter and her mysterious birth are central, with the chapter questioning her true identity and the veracity of her story.

### The Supernatural and Rationality

The Countess's alleged clairvoyance, use of a magical mirror, and predictions of war are contrasted with Ralph's skepticism and the rational investigation by the police.

### Power and Manipulation

Josephine Balsamo's influence at the Tuileries and her ability to dominate conversations and séances demonstrate her manipulative power over others.

## Character check-ins

### Josephine Balsamo

The Countess of Cagliostro, born Josephine Pellegrini, claims to be the daughter of Cagliostro and Josephine de Beauharnais. She is beautiful, mysterious, and possesses clairvoyant gifts.

### Ralph d'Andresy

Observes the proceedings skeptically, laughing inwardly at the events but with some reservations.

### Baron Godfrey d'Etigues

Leads the interrogation and reads the memorandum detailing the Countess's history.

### Beaumagnan

Implied to have drawn up the memorandum read by the Baron.

### Joseph Balsamo

The famous Cagliostro, father of Josephine Balsamo according to her claims.

### Prince Lavosneff

Referred to as the Prince of Arcola, he confirms the Countess's identity and recounts leaving her at Modena 22 years ago.

## Key lines

> Cagliostro! The astonishing man who puzzled all Europe and so thoroughly upset the Court of France in the reign of Louis XVI !

Cagliostro was a remarkable figure who confounded Europe and disrupted the French court under Louis XVI.

_Introduces the historical figure of Cagliostro and his impact._

> She is truly a wonderful woman, with something of La Joconde about her. Her expression changes very little but it is very difficult to describe. It is quite as caressing and ingenuous as perverse and cruel.

She is an amazing woman, reminiscent of the Mona Lisa, with an expression that is both gentle and innocent yet also wicked and harsh.

_Describes the Countess's enigmatic and dual-natured appearance._

> This mirror belonged to Cagliostro. For those who look at themselves in it with assured confidence, time stands still.

This mirror once belonged to Cagliostro; anyone who gazes into it with certainty will not age.

_Explains the supposed magical property of the mirror._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_ars_ne_lupin_se/chapters/ii-josephine-balsamo-born-in-1788
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_ars_ne_lupin_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_ars_ne_lupin_se/chapters