The Confessions of Arsène Lupin · Chapter
II: The Wedding-Ring explained
Yvonne d'Origny's son is forcibly taken by her husband's servant.
What happens
Yvonne d'Origny's son is forcibly taken by her husband's servant. The count locks Yvonne in the boudoir, binds her, and prepares to cut off her wedding ring to find an inscription he believes will prove her infidelity. However, the workman (Horace Velmont, actually Arsène Lupin) swaps the ring with one engraved with the marriage date. The count is thwarted. Later, Lupin reveals to the narrator that the ring actually bore the name 'Horace Velmont,' showing Yvonne's secret, ideal love for him.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Identity
Lupin impersonates the working jeweller to swap the ring, and Yvonne's secret love for 'Horace Velmont' is revealed.
Love and Sacrifice
Yvonne's enduring, ideal love for Horace Velmont (Lupin) and Lupin's act of restoring her son.
Family and Betrayal
The count betrays his wife by kidnapping their son and attempting to publicly humiliate her.
Characters to notice
- Yvonne d'Origny
The countess whose son is kidnapped by her husband's servant; she is bound and her wedding ring is cut off.
- Arsène Lupin
Disguised as the working jeweller Horace Velmont; he swaps the ring to save Yvonne.
- Gabriel
Yvonne's son, who is taken away by the count's servant Bernard.
- Chief Inspector Ganimard
Not directly present, but referenced as part of Lupin's world; not active in this chapter.
Key passages
“Yvonne d’Origny kissed her son and told him to be good: 'You know your grandmother d’Origny is not very fond of children. Now that she has sent for you to come and see her, you must show her what a sensible little boy you are.'”
Yvonne d'Origny kissed her son goodbye and urged him to behave, reminding him that his grandmother d'Origny did not care much for children and that he should prove himself well-mannered.
Establishes the family tension and the grandmother's dislike of children.
“The count rushed at her and seized her by the throat: 'Hold your tongue … don’t call out!' he said, in a low voice. 'That will be best for you! …'”
The count lunged at Yvonne, grabbing her throat and ordering her to be silent for her own good.
Shows the count's violent and controlling nature.
“Lupin finished his story, lit a cigarette and calmly puffed the smoke into the blue air. I said: 'Well?' 'Well what?' 'Why, the end of the story. …'”
Lupin concluded his tale, lit a cigarette, and blew smoke into the sky. I asked what happened next, but he seemed to think the story was complete.
Highlights Lupin's nonchalant storytelling style.
“I am the man who gave her back her son!”
Lupin declares that he is the one who restored her son to her, which is why she still bows to him despite knowing his criminal identity.
Reveals the deep gratitude Yvonne feels toward Lupin.