# XVIII: The Heir of Champdoce explained — The Slaves of Paris > Chapter companion for The Slaves of Paris by Émile Gaboriau. ## What happens The Duchess de Champdoce falls into a feverish illness after the death of George de Croisenois, and Norbert watches over her while guarding the secret of George's death. As she recovers, a doctor reveals she is pregnant, and Norbert, convinced the child is not his, plots to substitute it with another infant. He enlists his servant Jean to arrange the switch, moving the Duchess to a remote château where the plan is executed. ## Themes in this chapter ### Deception and Secrecy Norbert's elaborate plan to substitute his wife's child and the concealment of George de Croisenois's death drive the chapter. ### Marriage as Transaction The marriage between Norbert and Marie is devoid of love, focused on duty, inheritance, and social standing. ### Power and Manipulation Norbert manipulates his wife, servants, and the situation to maintain control over his household and legacy. ## Character check-ins ### Louis Norbert de Champdoce Watches over his wife while guarding the secret of George de Croisenois's death; plots to substitute his wife's child with another infant. ### Marie de Puymandour The Duchess de Champdoce, falls ill after George's death, later revealed to be pregnant; moved to a remote château. ### George de Croisenois Deceased; his death and secret relationship with Marie haunt Norbert. ### Diana de Mussidan Abandons Norbert, leaving with her husband for Italy; sends a brief farewell note. ### Jean Lamou Norbert's faithful servant; arranges the disposal of Caroline Schimmel and the posting of letters, and reluctantly agrees to the child substitution. ### Caroline Schimmel Sent away by Jean with twenty thousand francs to go to America. ## Key lines > Had I not made that fatal appointment, he would be alive and well now; my love has slain him as surely as if my hand had held the steel that has pierced his heart! Marie blames herself for George's death, believing her love is as lethal as a weapon. _Marie's guilt over George de Croisenois's death._ > Never, muttered he. No, never; for sooner than that, I will crush the life out of it with my own hands! Norbert vows to kill the child rather than raise it as his own. _Norbert's violent rejection of the unborn child he believes is not his._ > Have mercy! Give me back my child! A desperate plea from the mother to return her baby. _The despair of the mother whose child was taken._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_slaves_of_paris_se/chapters/xviii-the-heir-of-champdoce - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_slaves_of_paris_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_slaves_of_paris_se/chapters