The Slaves of Paris · Chapter
The Man-Milliner explained
Mascarin takes Paul to the establishment of Van Klopen, a fashionable tailor, where they observe the clientele and discuss business.
What happens
Mascarin takes Paul to the establishment of Van Klopen, a fashionable tailor, where they observe the clientele and discuss business. Mascarin instructs Van Klopen to pressure the Viscountess de Bois Arden by presenting her bill in front of the Marquis de Croisenois, aiming to entrap the Marquis. They also review the tailor's ledger, noting accounts of the Countess de Mussidan, Flavia Rigal, and Gaston de Gandelu. Mascarin expresses interest in getting Gandelu out of Paris by involving him in debt through the Mutual Loan Society. Paul is captivated by a young heiress, Zora Chantemille, who is with Gandelu. The chapter ends with Gandelu bursting in angrily, and Mascarin warns Paul that a thunderbolt is about to fall.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Mascarin orchestrates a scheme to entrap the Marquis de Croisenois by having Van Klopen publicly demand payment from the Viscountess de Bois Arden, demonstrating how financial leverage is used to control others.
Deception and Secrecy
Mascarin and Van Klopen conspire in private, planning to deceive Gaston de Gandelu into debt and to manipulate the Viscountess's situation, highlighting the hidden machinations behind social appearances.
Wealth and Extravagance
Van Klopen's opulent establishment, the expensive carpets, liveried servants, and the discussion of large sums of money (eighty-seven thousand francs in orders) underscore the extravagance of Parisian high society.
Characters to notice
- Baptiste Mascarin
Leads Paul to Van Klopen's establishment, gives instructions to the tailor, and observes the heiress.
- Paul Violaine
Accompanies Mascarin, is nervous in the fashionable setting, and becomes fascinated by Zora Chantemille.
- Van Klopen
The fashionable tailor who follows Mascarin's orders, discusses accounts, and plans to entrap Gaston de Gandelu.
- Gaston de Gandelu
Bursts into Van Klopen's establishment in a rage, accompanied by Zora Chantemille.
- Zora Chantemille
The young heiress with Gaston de Gandelu; Paul is instantly attracted to her.
- Marquis Henri de Croisenois
Mentioned as being with the Viscountess de Bois Arden when Van Klopen is to present the bill.
- Viscountess de Bois Arden
Her account is discussed; Mascarin plans to have Van Klopen pressure her in front of the Marquis.
- Flavia Rigal
Mentioned as a new customer of Van Klopen; Mascarin instructs the tailor to give her credit freely.
Key passages
““I will obey, but remember that we shall not only lose her custom, but that of all her acquaintance.””
Van Klopen warns Mascarin that following his instructions will cost them the Viscountess's business and that of her social circle.
Van Klopen expresses concern about the long-term consequences of Mascarin's scheme.
““In fifteen minutes,” said he, “I will put the same question to you, leaving you to reply to it. Hush, this is the first real test that you have been subjected to; if you are not strong enough to go through it, then we had better say farewell. Be firm, for a thunderbolt is about to fall!””
Mascarin tells Paul that he will soon face a critical test, warning him to be strong because a shocking event is imminent.
Mascarin prepares Paul for a dramatic confrontation, hinting at the manipulative nature of the upcoming scene.
““I should fall at her feet if she had not a sou.””
Paul declares that he would adore the heiress even if she were penniless.
Paul expresses romantic idealism, contrasting with Mascarin's mercenary interests.
