The Slaves of Paris · Chapter
IX: Rose's Promotion explained
Sabine visits André for what she declares will be her final portrait sitting, explaining that her reputation is at risk and that André must first achieve success before they can marry.
What happens
Sabine visits André for what she declares will be her final portrait sitting, explaining that her reputation is at risk and that André must first achieve success before they can marry. They discuss his career choices between a commission from Prince Crescenzi and a lucrative offer from M. Gandelu. Sabine reveals a plan to dissuade M. de Breulh-Faverlay from marrying her. After she leaves, André follows her briefly, then encounters Rose, now calling herself Madame Zora Chantemille, accompanied by Gaston de Gandelu. They insist he join them for dinner, and he accepts, observing Rose's new luxurious lifestyle and Gandelu's boastful display of wealth.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
Sabine's wealth creates a barrier between her and André, influencing their marriage prospects and her need to protect her reputation.
Deception and Secrecy
Sabine risks her reputation by secretly visiting André for portrait sittings, and plans to deceive M. de Breulh-Faverlay about her true feelings.
Wealth and Extravagance
Rose's new lifestyle and Gandelu's lavish spending on furniture and dresses highlight the theme of wealth and extravagance.
Characters to notice
- Sabine de Mussidan
Visits André for her final portrait sitting; discusses her plan to confess to M. de Breulh-Faverlay to avoid an arranged marriage.
- André
Struggles with choosing between a commission from Prince Crescenzi and a lucrative offer from M. Gandelu; later accepts dinner invitation from Rose and Gaston de Gandelu.
- Little Rose
Now calling herself Madame Zora Chantemille; flaunts her new wealth and luxurious apartment, having left Paul.
- Gaston de Gandelu
Son of the speculator M. Gandelu; boasts about his wealth and his role in setting up Rose in style.
- Modeste
Sabine's maid, accompanies her to André's studio and leaves with her.
Key passages
“I therefore intend to speak openly to M. de Breulh-Faverlay, who is an honorable, straightforward man; and when I tell him the real state of the case, he will withdraw his pretensions.”
Sabine plans to honestly explain her situation to M. de Breulh-Faverlay, believing he will then withdraw his marriage proposal.
Sabine's strategy to avoid an arranged marriage by confiding in M. de Breulh-Faverlay.
“Hasten then to gain all honor and distinction, for the world must agree with me in saying that my choice has been a wise one.”
Sabine urges André to achieve fame and success so that society will approve of their marriage.
Sabine's condition for their future together: André must first establish his reputation.
“Was there ever such a girl? but there, don't jump at conclusions. I have only had her in hand for a short time, but I am a real dab at starting a woman grandly, and it would be hard to find my equal in Paris, you may bet.”
Gaston de Gandelu boasts about his skill in transforming Rose into a fashionable woman, claiming he is unmatched in Paris.
Gandelu's pride in his ability to elevate Rose's social status through lavish spending.