The Crystal Stopper · Chapter
V: The Twenty-Seven explained
Clarisse Mergy reveals to Lupin the tragic story of her husband Victorien Mergy, whose name was on the infamous list of the Twenty-Seven, leading to his suicide after Daubrecq blackmailed him.
What happens
Clarisse Mergy reveals to Lupin the tragic story of her husband Victorien Mergy, whose name was on the infamous list of the Twenty-Seven, leading to his suicide after Daubrecq blackmailed him. She explains how Daubrecq stole the list from Germineaux and has used it to wield power. Clarisse describes her long search for the list, discovering that the crystal stopper is the hiding place. She also recounts her son Gilbert's return and her subsequent forgiveness. The chapter ends with Clarisse attempting suicide after her younger son Jacques is kidnapped, and Lupin vows to return the boy by midnight.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Obsession
Clarisse Mergy's relentless pursuit of Daubrecq to avenge her husband's death and destroy his power, driven by years of obsession.
Sacrifice and Maternal Love
Clarisse's love for her sons Gilbert and Jacques leads her to forgive Gilbert and attempt suicide after Jacques is kidnapped, showing maternal desperation.
Power and Corruption
Daubrecq's use of the stolen list to blackmail politicians, including Victorien Mergy, and his corrupt hold over the political system.
Characters to notice
- Clarisse Mergy
Reveals her husband's tragic involvement with the list of the Twenty-Seven and her quest for revenge against Daubrecq. Attempts suicide after her son Jacques is kidnapped.
- Arsène Lupin
Listens to Clarisse's story, gains insight into Daubrecq's power, and promises to rescue Jacques by midnight.
- Alexis Daubrecq
Revealed as the thief of the list of the Twenty-Seven, blackmailer of Victorien Mergy, and kidnapper of Jacques. His passion for Clarisse is noted.
- Gilbert
Clarisse's son, who returned to her life ten months ago and was forgiven despite his misdeeds.
- Victorien Mergy
Clarisse's deceased husband, whose name was on the list of the Twenty-Seven; he committed suicide after being blackmailed by Daubrecq.
- Prasville
Police official who collaborated with Clarisse in her search for the list, motivated by hatred for Daubrecq.
Key passages
“A word will be enough: my husband’s name was on the list of the Twenty-Seven.”
Clarisse reveals that her husband Victorien Mergy was one of the twenty-seven politicians on the secret bribery list.
Key revelation linking Victorien to the scandal.
“Daubrecq, deprived of the document that gives him his immense power, ceases to exist. It means immediate bankruptcy and disaster… under the most wretched conditions. That is what I have sought.”
Clarisse explains that her goal is to strip Daubrecq of the list, which would destroy his power and ruin him.
Clarisse's motive for her long search.
“Quick, monsieur, come at once; Madame Mergy has taken poison.”
A friend telephones Lupin to inform him that Clarisse has attempted suicide.
Climactic moment leading to Lupin's promise.
“Well, when Madame Mergy wakes, tell her from me that I will bring her back her son this evening, before midnight. This evening, before midnight: it’s a solemn promise.”
Lupin vows to rescue Jacques and return him to Clarisse by midnight.
Lupin's decisive commitment to save Clarisse's son.
