The Perfume of Eros · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Perfume of Eros by Edgar Saltus.
Chapter 1
The Facts in the Case
This chapter presents the factual account of the events surrounding the murder of Royal Loftus and the subsequent trial of Arthur Annandale. It details the relationships, deceptions, and key incidents that led to the tragedy, including Loftus's pursuit of Marie Durand, Annandale's engagement to Sylvia Waldron and his meeting with Fanny, and the eventual accusations and trial.
Chapter 2
I: A Man of Fashion
The chapter introduces Royal Loftus, a wealthy, handsome man of fashion, and his social circle in Gilded Age New York. At a dinner party, Loftus's mother questions his interest in Fanny Price, but he is preoccupied with Marie Durand, a woman from another sphere. The dinner features witty banter, a séance prediction by Melanchthon Orr, and flirtations between Annandale and Sylvia Waldron, and Loftus and Fanny Price. The chapter establishes themes of social class, marriage, and deception.
Chapter 3
II: The Pocket Venus
Fanny and Sylvia discuss Fanny's hat and Sylvia's upcoming marriage to Annandale. Fanny jokes about her debts and Loftus. Annandale arrives and invites them to lunch at Sherry's, where they encounter Orr and Loftus. Loftus flirts with Fanny, and they exchange witty barbs. The chapter highlights the social dynamics and flirtations among the group.
Chapter 4
The Ex-First Lady
Loftus reflects on his pursuit of Marie Durand, a young, impressionable girl he spotted on Fifth Avenue. He follows her home and, through a series of deceptions involving an apothecary and Mme. Machin, arranges an introduction. He declares his love for her, overwhelming the naive Marie, who is both startled and captivated by his attention.
Chapter 5
Enchantment
Loftus visits Mme. Machin's den, where he pays her and waits for Marie. When Marie arrives, he professes his love and asks her to be his wife. Marie, though hesitant and fearful of the social and moral implications, is overwhelmed by his declarations and promises. Loftus persuades her to trust him, swearing before God and man that she shall be his wife. Marie, enchanted by the dream he presents, surrenders to his embrace, choosing faith over her fears.
Chapter 6
V: Marie Changes Her Name
Marie moves from Gay Street to the Arundel apartment house near Gramercy Park, where Loftus sets her up as his mistress. He insists she change her name to Leroy, and she becomes Miss Leroy, surrounded by new clothes, a singing teacher, and a horse-riding instructor. Loftus brings men like Annandale and Orr to her 'aviary,' and Orr delivers a speech on the perfume of Eros. Annandale, engaged to Sylvia, is tempted to visit despite her objections. Marie remains unaware of Loftus's deception, believing their relationship will soon be legitimized.
Chapter 7
VI: The Yellow Fay
Annandale wakes from a drunken stupor, unable to recall the events of the previous night. He attempts to contact Sylvia but is rebuffed. Orr visits to inform him that Sylvia has ended their engagement. Annandale is devastated and pleads for reconsideration, but Orr advises against it, noting Sylvia's strict views and her departure for Newport. Annandale is left in despair, his life feeling as blank as his memory.
Chapter 8
Sweet-and-Twenty
Annandale, still haunted by Sylvia Waldron after their broken engagement, flees the oppressive New York summer to Narragansett. Despite his attempts to move on, he remains restless and sober. At a dance at the Casino, he encounters Fanny Price, who has come from Newport. Their conversation reveals that Sylvia has moved on, and Fanny encourages Annandale to stay longer, suggesting he take her about. Annandale, initially planning to leave, is persuaded to reconsider.
Chapter 9
Two in a Turret
Annandale, recovering from Sylvia's rejection, invites Fanny Price to a secluded tower at the Narragansett Casino. He proposes marriage, but Fanny declines, revealing her lingering feelings for Loftus, who has gone abroad with Marie Leroy. Mrs. Price later confronts Fanny about missing the chance to marry Loftus, while Fanny watches a hope fade like a distant sail.
Chapter 10
IX: Fanny Changes Her Clothes
Fanny avoids Annandale after their encounter, but he finds her on the beach. A fire breaks out at the Narragansett Casino, and Annandale heroically rescues Fanny's clothes. Later, he proposes to Fanny, and she accepts, though her mother Mrs. Price is furious, lamenting that Fanny settled for a poor man instead of a wealthy one.
Chapter 11
X: A Victim
Sylvia, now at Lenox, reflects on her broken engagement with Annandale. She struggles with her feelings of regret and self-blame, especially after reading about Annandale's heroism during the Narragansett fire. Just as she begins to consider reconciliation, she receives a letter from Fanny announcing her marriage to Annandale, leaving Sylvia heartbroken and resigned to her loss.
Chapter 12
The General Sessions
The chapter opens with a description of the courtroom atmosphere during the trial of Arthur Annandale for the murder of Royal Loftus. The prosecution presents its case, with Richard Harris as the lead prosecutor, painting Annandale as a jealous lover who killed Loftus in a fit of rage. The defense, led by Mr. Peacock, argues that Annandale is innocent and that the evidence is circumstantial. The narrative focuses on the testimony of key witnesses, including Mrs. Price and Marie Durand, and the reactions of the public and the press. The chapter ends with the jury deliberating and the tension in the courtroom reaching a peak.
Chapter 13
I: Disenchantment
Marie, now living as Loftus's mistress in the Arundel, reflects on the past year of her life. She has grown in beauty and voice, but her soul has been tormented by the realization that Loftus has lied to her about their marriage. She recalls their journey to Europe, his evasions, and the painful encounter in Central Park where she saw him with Mrs. Annandale. Despite her love and infatuation, she begins to accept the monstrous fact of his deception, leading to a deep sense of humiliation and disenchantment.
Chapter 14
II: The Mote in the Eye
Fanny and Annandale are married and living in Gramercy Park. Annandale is making money in the stock market, while Fanny lives the life of a wealthy society woman. However, Fanny is unhappy because she still loves Loftus, and she becomes elusive and distant with her husband. Mrs. Price warns Fanny about her public appearances with Loftus, but Fanny hints she may still end up with him. Loftus visits Fanny, and they discuss the possibility of Annandale going out West so Fanny can get a divorce. Annandale returns and mentions he has bought stocks, while Loftus reveals he has been selling short.
Chapter 15
III: The Gates of Life
Marie waits late into the night for Loftus at the Arundel, torn between love and despair. When he arrives, he coldly suggests she go abroad, revealing his intention to abandon her. Marie confronts him, accusing him of lying about his promises and his mother's illness. She throws his money out the window, declaring she wants him, not his wealth. Loftus dismisses her anger as vulgar and prepares to leave. Marie's cries summon Blanche, who fiercely defends her and condemns Loftus's treatment of her.
Chapter 16
The Return of the Yellow Fay
At a dinner party at Fanny's, the aftermath of a stock market crash is discussed. Loftus reveals he has sent away his mistress, Marie, at Fanny's orders. Fanny then tells Loftus she will speak to Annandale about their own marriage, implying she wants to leave him. Later, a drunk Annandale, enraged by the suspicion of his wife's affair with Loftus, goes to Sylvia's house, returns her lost pearls, and threatens to kill Loftus.
Chapter 17
V: Exit Fanny
Orr learns of Loftus's murder in Gramercy Park and visits Annandale, who is agitated and unable to remember his whereabouts. Fanny confronts Annandale, accusing him of the murder and vowing to testify against him in court.
Chapter 18
VI: What the Papers Said
After Fanny's departure, Orr visits Mrs. Loftus but is refused. The press sensationalizes the murder, focusing on Marie Leroy's disappearance and her connection to Loftus. The police interview Blanche, who reveals details about Marie's last night and her departure to Europe. The Loftus family promotes a robbery theory to avoid scandal, but the Chronicle, aided by Harris, accuses Annandale of the murder.
Chapter 19
Held Without Bail
Sylvia Waldron grapples with the aftermath of Loftus's murder, considering theories of suicide and footpad, while Orr dismisses them. She visits Mrs. Loftus, who is distraught, and tries to see Fanny, but is rebuffed. Harris's story leads to Annandale's arrest and being held without bail. Sylvia, believing in Annandale's innocence, decides to deny any threat he made, and visits him in the Tombs, where they become betrothed. Meanwhile, Fanny falls ill and dies, and Sylvia blames herself for the tragedy.
Chapter 20
VIII: The Defendant to the Bar
The trial of Arthur Annandale for the murder of Royal Loftus begins. The courtroom is packed with spectators, reporters, and witnesses. The prosecution, led by District Attorney Peacock, outlines the case, while defense attorney Melanchthon Orr aggressively challenges witnesses and objections. The star witness for the prosecution, Richard Harris, testifies that he heard a shot and saw Annandale enter the house on the night of the murder. Orr cross-examines Harris ferociously, exposing his criminal past and suggesting he is a paid perjurer. The defense presents its own witnesses, and public opinion begins to waver as the trial proceeds.
Chapter 21
IX: The Twelfth Juror
The trial reaches its climax as the prosecution and defense deliver their closing arguments. Peacock's fiery summation is countered by Orr's methodical dismantling of the prosecution's case. Annandale takes the stand, denying the murder and claiming drunkenness. The unexpected twist comes when a juror, revealed to be Marie Durand's father, confesses to the murder of Loftus before dying in the jury box, leading to Annandale's acquittal and vindication.
Chapter 22
X: The Verdict
Two years after the trial, at the Metropolitan Opera House, Sylvia and Annandale, now married, attend a performance of Aïda with Orr. The debutante singing Amneris is revealed to be Marie Leroy, now known as Dellarandi, who has married Tambourini and is destined for operatic greatness. Sylvia, moved by the performance and the revelation, pronounces her own verdict of acquittal for Marie, and Annandale concurs.
