The Perfume of Eros · Chapter
The Return of the Yellow Fay explained
At a dinner party at Fanny's, the aftermath of a stock market crash is discussed.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Heartbreak
Annandale, fueled by alcohol, feels betrayed by his wife Fanny and his friend Loftus, believing they are planning to elope.
Love and Deception
Fanny and Loftus's conversation reveals a deceptive relationship, with Loftus having been ordered to dismiss his mistress, and Fanny's intention to leave her husband for him.
Wealth and Materialism
The dinner party conversation centers on the stock market crash, highlighting the characters' focus on financial loss and gain, and the 'vulgar' condition of money.
Characters to notice
- Royal Loftus
Appears at Fanny's dinner party, discusses the market crash, and reveals he has sent away his mistress, Marie, at Fanny's command.
- Fanny
Hosts the dinner party, questions Loftus about Marie, and tells him she will speak to Annandale about their marriage, indicating she wants to leave him.
- Arthur Annandale
Present at the dinner party, visibly affected by the market crash and drinking heavily. Later, drunk, he threatens to kill Loftus and returns Sylvia's pearls.
- Sylvia Waldron
At the dinner party, distant with Loftus. Later, Annandale visits her to return her pearls and she pleads with him to go home.
- Melanchthon Orr
A guest at the dinner party, discusses the financial panic and its costs.
Key passages
“It will cost the country $50,000,000,” said Orr.”
Orr estimates the financial crash will result in a fifty million dollar loss for the country.
Highlights the scale of the economic disaster being discussed.
“I shall kill him,” he added thickly.”
Annandale, in a drunken rage, threatens to murder Loftus.
Shows the extreme emotional state and violent intent brought on by alcohol and jealousy.