# XXIII: Ringing the Changes explained — The Slaves of Paris

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

## What happens

André accompanies Gaston de Gandelu to the Mutual Loan Society, where they meet Verminet. André learns that Gaston was tricked into forging a signature on bills. The Marquis de Croisenois appears, and André overhears him mention Mascarin and Martin Rigal, deepening his suspicion of a conspiracy. André confronts Verminet about the forged bills, demanding the name of the party who discounted them.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Secrecy

Verminet's denial of the forgery and the hidden dealings among Croisenois, Mascarin, and Rigal highlight the pervasive deceit.

### Power and Manipulation

Verminet manipulates Gaston into signing forged bills; Croisenois exerts influence through financial and secret dealings.

### Blackmail and Corruption

The forged bills and the conspiracy involving Croisenois, Mascarin, and Rigal suggest a network of blackmail and corruption.

## Character check-ins

### André

Accompanies Gaston to the Mutual Loan Society; confronts Verminet about the forged bills; overhears Croisenois mention Mascarin and Rigal.

### Gaston de Gandelu

Brings André to Verminet's office; reveals he was tricked into forging a signature; anxious about the bills.

### Marquis Henri de Croisenois

Visits Verminet; discusses business with Mascarin and Rigal; appears worn and haggard; ignores Gaston and André.

### Verminet

Manager of the Mutual Loan Society; denies knowledge of the forgery; refuses to disclose who holds the discounted bills.

### Baptiste Mascarin

Mentioned by Croisenois as someone Verminet must see; part of the conspiracy.

### Martin Rigal

Mentioned as the banker whose signature was forged; Croisenois says Verminet must see him.

## Key lines

> He felt like a child playing the game called 'Magic Music,' when, as the seeker nears the hiding place of the article of which he is in search, the strains of the piano swell higher and higher.

André felt as if he were getting closer to the truth, like a child in a game where the music grows louder as they near the hidden object.

_André's growing confidence that he is on the right track to uncover the conspiracy._

> The worst part is over, and therefore no time is to be lost. You must see Mascarin and Martin Rigal, the banker, today.

The hardest part is done, so hurry and meet with Mascarin and the banker Martin Rigal today.

_Croisenois instructs Verminet to contact Mascarin and Rigal, revealing key conspirators._

> I don't know; I have forgotten.

I don't recall; I've forgotten.

_Verminet's evasive answer when André asks who holds the discounted bills._

## Links

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