Scaramouche · Chapter
X: Contrition explained
Aline de Kercadiou confronts her aunt, Mme.
What happens
Aline de Kercadiou confronts her aunt, Mme. de Sautron, about the Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr's ongoing affair with Mlle. Binet, declaring her intention to break off their engagement. Mme. de Sautron is scandalized by Aline's frank language but eventually relays the matter to her husband, M. de Sautron. M. de Sautron then confronts the Marquis, who initially dismisses the affair but soon realizes the depth of Aline's disgust. Overcome with contrition, the Marquis vows to end the liaison and do penance to win back Aline's respect.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Manipulation
The Marquis's romantic pursuit of Aline is tainted by his simultaneous affair, and his contrition is a calculated attempt to manipulate her back into accepting his suit.
Social Class and Revolution
Aline's preference for a 'cobbler who practised decency' over a marquis challenges class-based marriage conventions, hinting at the revolutionary questioning of aristocratic privilege.
Characters to notice
- Aline de Kercadiou
Expresses outrage at the Marquis's infidelity and insists on breaking their engagement, using blunt language that shocks her aunt.
- Madame la Comtesse de Sautron
Horrified by Aline's impropriety, she attempts to persuade her niece to overlook the Marquis's behavior and later relays the matter to her husband.
- Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr
Confronted by M. de Sautron, he initially scoffs but then shows genuine contrition, vowing to end his affair with Mlle. Binet and win back Aline.
- M. de Sautron
Acts as intermediary, informing the Marquis of Aline's displeasure and advising him to mend his ways.
- Mademoiselle Binet
Referenced as the 'wretched theatre girl' and 'drab of the theatre' with whom the Marquis has been involved.
Key passages
“I am utterly disgusted with M. le Marquis—a disgusting man. And however fine a thing it may be to become Marquise de La Tour d’Azyr, why, frankly, I’d sooner marry a cobbler who practised decency.”
Aline declares her revulsion for the Marquis and states she would prefer a humble but honorable husband over a titled one.
This line encapsulates Aline's rejection of social status in favor of moral integrity.
“I have just enough sense left to perceive it. It is the way I have lived, I suppose. I have never known the need to deny myself anything I wanted.”
The Marquis admits his lifelong indulgence has made him a fool, recognizing his lack of self-restraint.
This moment of self-awareness marks the Marquis's contrition and his desire to change for Aline.