The Slaves of Paris · Chapter
XXV: A New Skin explained
Tantaine and Dr.
What happens
Tantaine and Dr. Hortebise discuss the threat posed by Sabine de Mussidan's love for André and her alliance with M. de Breulh-Faverlay, which jeopardizes their scheme to marry her to De Croisenois. Despite Hortebise's advice to abandon the plan, Tantaine insists on pressing forward, even considering the removal of André as the sole obstacle. Meanwhile, Paul Violaine is installed in a pre-furnished apartment in the Rue Montmartre, where the porter, Mother Brigaut, is coached to recognize him as a long-term resident, completing the fabrication of his new identity.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Secrecy
Tantaine orchestrates an elaborate false identity for Paul, coaching the porter to confirm a fabricated history, while the conspirators plot in secret.
Power and Manipulation
Tantaine manipulates Hortebise, Paul, and the entire scheme, even considering murder to remove the obstacle André.
Marriage as Transaction
Sabine's marriage is treated as a financial and strategic asset, with Tantaine scheming to force a union with De Croisenois for gain.
Blackmail and Corruption
Tantaine and Hortebise fear that De Croisenois, knowing their secret, could blackmail them; the entire enterprise is built on corrupt practices.
Characters to notice
- Daddy Tantaine
Reveals the threat from Sabine, André, and Breulh-Faverlay; insists on continuing the scheme and hints at eliminating André.
- Dr. Hortebise
Advises abandoning the risky plan but reluctantly agrees to follow Tantaine; carries a poison pill as a last resort.
- Paul Violaine
Moves into a pre-furnished apartment in the Rue Montmartre, where his false identity as a long-term resident is established.
- Sabine de Mussidan
Identified as the wealthy heiress who loves André and has allied with Breulh-Faverlay, threatening Tantaine's plans.
- André
The painter loved by Sabine; Tantaine sees him as the sole obstacle to success and considers his removal.
- M. de Breulh-Faverlay
Friend of André and former suitor of Sabine; now allied with Sabine and André against the scheme.
- Gaston de Gandelu
Mentioned indirectly as De Croisenois, the intended husband for Sabine in Tantaine's scheme.
- Mother Brigaut
Porter of Paul's new lodgings; coached to confirm Paul's false identity as a long-term resident.
Key passages
“Have you in your experience of society ever come across a wealthy heiress who is indifferent to all the allurements of luxury, and is capable of disinterested love?”
Tantaine asks Hortebise if he has ever known a rich heiress who does not care for luxury and can truly love someone for themselves.
Tantaine describes Sabine's unusual character as a threat to their scheme.
“Remove him, and the whole of our machinery will work as smoothly as ever.”
Tantaine suggests that eliminating André is the key to making their plan succeed without further obstacles.
Tantaine hints at murder as a solution to their problem.
“I have a something between my fingers that will save me from shame and disgrace—a little pill to be swallowed, a gasp, a little dizziness, and all is over.”
Hortebise reveals he carries a poison pill to avoid capture or disgrace, indicating his willingness to die rather than face exposure.
Hortebise's locket contains a suicide pill, showing the high stakes of their conspiracy.
