# VI: What the Papers Said explained — The Perfume of Eros

> Chapter companion for The Perfume of Eros by Edgar Saltus.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Scandal and Reputation

The Loftus family fears a blot on their escutcheon, preferring a robbery theory to avoid disgrace.

### Appearance vs. Reality

The newspaper prints a fake picture of Marie Leroy, and the public is fed on fakes, while the real story remains hidden.

### Wealth and Materialism

The Chronicle's reward of five thousand dollars and the focus on Loftus's lost millions highlight the era's materialism.

## Character check-ins

### Melanchthon Orr

Visits Mrs. Loftus's house but is not received; later sees the newspaper picture of Marie Leroy.

### Royal Loftus

Murdered; the press and family react to his death, with theories of suicide or robbery.

### Marie Leroy

Disappears after Loftus's death; the press publishes a fake picture of her, and Blanche testifies about her departure.

### Blanche

Marie's servant, questioned by Mr. Peacock about Marie's relationship with Loftus and her flight.

### Richard Harris

Provides a clue to the Chronicle, accusing Annandale of murder based on overheard threats.

### Arthur Annandale

Accused by Harris of murdering Loftus; the Chronicle sees him as a sensational target.

## Key lines

> There are occasions when speech is an intrusion and sympathy an affront.

Sometimes it's better to say nothing and not offer sympathy.

_Opening reflects the awkwardness after Fanny's exit._

> The imagination of the public had been stirred. Of all things mystery affects the imagination most.

The public's curiosity was piqued, as mystery captivates people more than anything.

_Explains the press's role in sensationalizing the murder._

> It was quite like fiction. It was almost too good or too bad to be true.

The story seemed like something from a novel, almost unbelievable.

_Reaction to the idea of a pretty assassin._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters/vi-what-the-papers-said
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters