← The Lerouge Case

The Lerouge Case · Chapters

Chapters explained

Chapter companions for The Lerouge Case by Émile Gaboriau.

  1. Chapter 1

    The Lerouge Case

    The chapter introduces the discovery of Widow Lerouge's murder and the initial investigation, with Tabaret arriving at the crime scene and beginning his deductions.

  2. Chapter 2

    I

    The chapter opens with the discovery of Widow Lerouge's murder at her cottage in Bougival. The commissary and gendarmes arrive at the scene, finding her body with her face in the ashes and two stab wounds between the shoulders. The commissary begins a preliminary inquiry, interviewing neighbors and witnesses, but learns little about the victim's past. Widow Lerouge was a stranger to the area, supposedly from Normandy, who lived modestly but was known for her fine clothes and jewels. She was talkative yet secretive about her past, mentioning a husband lost at sea and a son named Jacques who was a sailor. The investigating magistrate, M. Daburon, arrives with the detective police, including old Tabaret, and begins his own investigation. Public opinion, led by Gevrol, points to a tall, sunburnt man in a gray blouse as the likely culprit.

  3. Chapter 3

    II

    M. Daburon and old Tabaret collaborate on the investigation of Widow Lerouge's murder. Tabaret meticulously examines the crime scene, deducing the murderer's actions: a well-dressed young man who wore lavender kid gloves, used a sharpened foil, and sought documents which he burned. He predicted the murderer threw a bundle into the Seine, which is later found, confirming his theories. The chapter also reveals Tabaret's personal history and his eccentric dedication to police work.

  4. Chapter 4

    III

    Old Tabaret, obsessed with the Widow Lerouge murder, returns home late and forgets to eat as he wrestles with the case. He suddenly deduces that a child is involved. Later, he visits Noel Gerdy, who is distraught over Madame Gerdy's shock upon learning of the murder. Noel reveals that Widow Lerouge was his nurse, deepening the mystery and Tabaret's determination.

  5. Chapter 5

    IV

    Noel Gerdy reveals to M. Tabaret that he is not Madame Gerdy's son, but the illegitimate son of Count Rheteau de Commarin and his mistress Valerie. He reads letters from the Count detailing a conspiracy to switch infants at birth, ensuring Noel's displacement. Noel laments that Widow Lerouge, who knew the truth, has been murdered, destroying his key evidence.

  6. Chapter 6

    Chapter V

    Noel Gerdy visits his mistress Juliette Chaffour, where their strained relationship is laid bare. Juliette berates Noel for his jealousy, secrecy, and for keeping her hidden, while Noel defends his need to protect his reputation. The chapter reveals Noel's ruinous passion for Juliette, his squandering of his own and Madame Gerdy's fortune, and Juliette's contempt for him despite his devotion. Their argument ends with Noel leaving to attend to his ill mother, leaving money on the table.

  7. Chapter 7

    VI

    M. Daburon, a magistrate, is deeply in love with Claire d'Arlange, but his timidity and the marchioness's prejudices prevent him from proposing. He visits her daily, listening to the marchioness's ramblings while gazing at Claire. When he finally confesses his love, Claire reveals she loves another, Albert de Commarin, and sees Daburon only as a father figure. Daburon is devastated but agrees to remain her friend, hiding his heartbreak.

  8. Chapter 8

    VII

    M. Tabaret and M. Daburon debate the evidence against Albert de Commarin in the Widow Lerouge murder case. Tabaret is eager for an arrest, while Daburon hesitates, fearing the consequences of a mistaken accusation and the difficulty of convincing a jury. The chapter also reveals Daburon's internal turmoil: he had resolved to kill Albert out of jealousy over Claire, bought a revolver, went to Albert's club, but lost his nerve and fled, collapsing in the street. He later recovers from a six-week illness, horrified at how close he came to murder.

  9. Chapter 9

    VIII

    Viscount Albert de Commarin, visibly distressed, meets his father, Count de Commarin, at the railway station. The count, a proud aristocrat, returns from an unsuccessful trip to Austria. During dinner, the count criticizes the nobility and argues for primogeniture, while Albert remains withdrawn. The tension escalates until Albert hints at a secret involving his honor and that of their house, shocking his father.

  10. Chapter 10

    IX

    Albert de Commarin, tormented by Noel Gerdy's revelation, reflects on his love for Claire and the impending loss of his fortune. The Count de Commarin, long fearing exposure of his secret, confronts the crisis with pride but is forced to consider the impossibility of suppressing the truth. Albert argues for yielding to Noel's claims to avoid public scandal, while the Count desperately seeks alternative solutions.

  11. Chapter 11

    Chapter X

    Noel Gerdy explains to M. Daburon his encounter with Albert de Commarin, expressing his desire for an amicable resolution rather than a public trial. M. Daburon informs Noel that Albert is likely under arrest for Widow Lerouge's murder. Old Tabaret arrives triumphantly with evidence confirming Albert's guilt, but the mood shifts when the Count de Commarin appears at the magistrate's office.

  12. Chapter 12

    XI

    Count de Commarin confesses to M. Daburon that he arranged the substitution of his illegitimate son for his legitimate son at birth, driven by his love for Valerie. He recounts his wife's suffering, his discovery of Valerie's infidelity, and his subsequent hatred for Albert. Noel Gerdy arrives with letters, and the magistrate presents him to the count as his legitimate son, but the meeting is cold and tense.

  13. Chapter 13

    XII

    Albert is arrested and taken to prison, where he falls into a deep sleep. M. Daburon interrogates Albert, who maintains his innocence despite the mounting evidence. M. Tabaret initially believes Albert is guilty but later, after reading the examination report, becomes convinced that Albert is innocent and that a judicial error has been made.

  14. Chapter 14

    XIII

    Noel Gerdy deals with financial pressures from the usurer Clergeot, who demands payment of bills totaling twenty-two thousand francs. Meanwhile, Madame Gerdy lies dying, attended by a nun who urges Noel to call a priest for last rites. Noel struggles with his obligations, torn between visiting his father, the Count de Commarin, and staying with the dying woman. He ultimately decides to remain, sends a letter to the count, and arranges for Madame Gerdy's brother to be notified.

  15. Chapter 15

    XIV

    Old Tabaret, despite being repulsed by the magistrate, resolves to save Albert, whom he believes innocent. He dines, regains confidence, and visits Madame Gerdy's home, where he encounters Noel. He struggles to conceal his involvement in the case while observing the dying Madame Gerdy and discussing Albert's predicament.

  16. Chapter 16

    XV

    Claire d'Arlange confronts M. Daburon, passionately defending Albert de Commarin's innocence and pleading for his release. She recounts a secret meeting arranged with Albert on the night of the murder, arguing that he could not be guilty. Daburon, torn between his love for Claire and his duty as magistrate, struggles with doubt but ultimately cannot grant her request. Claire resolves to seek help from the Count de Commarin.

  17. Chapter 17

    XVII

    M. Daburon interrogates Pierre Lerouge, who recounts his wife Claudine's infidelity and his decision to leave her. Lerouge explains he sought her out only to obtain her consent for their son Jacques's marriage. After Lerouge departs, Constant breaks his fifteen-year silence to comment on the case. Daburon reflects on his hasty judgment of Albert and resolves to summon the Count de Commarin to inform him that Albert is his legitimate son and innocent of the murder. The chapter ends with the count arriving just as Daburon's messenger reaches him.

  18. Chapter 18

    XVIII

    Tabaret tracks down Noel Gerdy's mistress, Juliette Chaffour, and questions her about Noel's alibi for the night of the murder. Juliette reveals that Noel acted strangely at the theater and masked ball, got drunk, and lost his belongings, leading Tabaret to conclude Noel is the murderer. Tabaret rushes to M. Daburon's office to demand a warrant, while the Count de Commarin slips away upon hearing Noel's name.

  19. Chapter 19

    XIX

    Noel Gerdy, having failed to secure Albert's release, visits the Count de Commarin's home, where he is confronted by his father, who accuses him of murdering Widow Lerouge and causing Madame Gerdy's death. The Count demands a confession and offers him a way to kill himself, but Noel refuses. The chapter then reveals Noel's full scheme: he burned the Count's letters, manipulated evidence to frame Albert, and murdered Claudine to secure his inheritance. After a cab ride to Juliette's, he confesses his crime, signs a statement, and dies from his wounds.

  20. Chapter 20

    XX

    Months after the trial, the Marchioness d'Arlange recounts Claire's wedding to Albert de Commarin, noting the Count's generosity in settling his fortune on his son. Meanwhile, M. Daburon has retired to Poitou, Madame Juliette has spent Noel's hidden money, and old Tabaret, disillusioned with justice, now campaigns against capital punishment.