# A Financial Transaction explained — The Slaves of Paris

> Chapter companion for The Slaves of Paris by Émile Gaboriau.

## What happens

Norbert, desperate for freedom from his father's control, visits Daumon, his father's enemy. Daumon feigns reluctance but ultimately proposes a life of secret dissipation in Poitiers, funded by loans at usurious rates. Norbert, against his honest nature, agrees, signing promissory notes for four thousand francs each in exchange for one thousand francs, pledging secrecy. He then sets off for Poitiers to begin his new life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Manipulation

Daumon manipulates Norbert's desperation for freedom, using feigned reluctance and legal threats to ensnare him in a ruinous loan.

### Deception and Secrecy

Norbert agrees to a life of duplicity, hiding his activities from his father, while Daumon insists on absolute secrecy to protect his scheme.

### Wealth and Extravagance

Daumon tempts Norbert with the promise of fine clothes, boon companions, and a life of pleasure in Poitiers, all funded by borrowed money.

## Character check-ins

### Daumon

The wily counsellor who entraps Norbert with a loan scheme, feigning reluctance while manipulating him.

### Louis Norbert de Champdoce

The young marquis, desperate for liberty, succumbs to Daumon's proposal and signs ruinous promissory notes.

### Duke de Champdoce

Norbert's oppressive father, whose strict control drives Norbert to seek help from his enemy.

### Bruno

Norbert's dog, accompanying him during the visit to Daumon.

## Key lines

> Daumon was expecting a visit from the young man, and had been waiting for him with the cool complacency of a bird-catcher, who, having arranged all his lines and snares, stands with folded arms until his feathered victims fall into his net.

Daumon anticipated Norbert's arrival with the calm confidence of a trapper who has set his snares and waits for his prey.

_Illustrates Daumon's predatory patience and calculated manipulation._

> You are not of age, and there is a certain article, 354 in the code, that could be so worked that a poor humble creature like me could be locked up for perhaps five years.

Because you are a minor, the law could be used to imprison me for up to five years for dealing with you.

_Daumon uses legal threats to feign reluctance and justify the high interest rates._

> I may be a savage, but I am not likely to become a traitor. If I once promised to keep a secret, no measures or tortures would tear it from me.

I may be uncultured, but I am no traitor; once I give my word, nothing can make me break it.

_Norbert asserts his honor and trustworthiness, which Daumon exploits._

> He then went on to enumerate the conditions of the loan, and at each clause he would stop and say, 'Do you understand this?'

Daumon listed the loan terms, pausing after each to ensure Norbert comprehended.

_Highlights Daumon's methodical and seemingly conscientious approach to entrapment._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_slaves_of_paris_se/chapters