The Slaves of Paris · Chapter
XXX: The Veiled Portrait explained
André reveals his love for Sabine to the Count de Mussidan, who visits under a false name.
What happens
André reveals his love for Sabine to the Count de Mussidan, who visits under a false name. The Count sees Sabine's portrait and, moved by André's honesty and character, promises that if they can free themselves from their enemies, Sabine shall be his wife. André also connects the plots against him and Gaston de Gandelu, suspecting a common conspiracy involving Catenac, Verminet, Van Klopen, Mascarin, Hortebise, and Martin Rigal.
Themes in this chapter
Love vs. Duty
André and Sabine's love conflicts with her family's expectations and the Count's duty to protect their social standing.
Social Class and Inequality
André's humble origins as a foundling contrast with Sabine's noble birth, creating a 'gulf' between them.
Deception and Secrecy
The Count visits under a false name; Sabine's secret sittings and the veiled portrait embody the theme.
Characters to notice
- André
Reveals his love for Sabine and his humble origins to the Count de Mussidan; suspects a conspiracy linking his own troubles to Gaston de Gandelu's case.
- Count Octave de Mussidan
Visits André under the false name 'Marquis de Bevron' to investigate his daughter's portrait; is moved by André's character and promises Sabine's hand if they can escape their enemies.
- Sabine de Mussidan
Her portrait is the subject of the chapter; she has secretly sat for André, proving her love.
- Gaston de Gandelu
André connects Gaston's troubles with the same criminal network that threatens him.
- Catenac
Identified as the solicitor who informed on Gaston and advised legal action; linked to the conspiracy.
- M. de Breulh-Faverlay
Mentioned as a former suitor who withdrew nobly after learning of Sabine's love for André.
Key passages
“She is an heiress, come of a proud and haughty line of nobles, while I— a poor foundling, placed in the Hospital of Vendôme, the illicit offspring of some poor betrayed girl.”
She is a wealthy heiress from a noble family, while I am a foundling from the Vendôme hospital, the illegitimate child of a betrayed woman.
André explains the class divide between him and Sabine.
“M. André, if ever we can free ourselves from those miscreants, whose daggers are pointed at our hearts, Sabine shall be your wife.”
M. André, if we can ever escape those villains who threaten us, Sabine will be your wife.
The Count promises André his daughter's hand if they can overcome their enemies.
“It seemed to him that the affair of young Gandelu was closely connected with his own, that they were part and parcel of the same dark plot.”
He thought that Gaston de Gandelu's situation was linked to his own, both being part of the same sinister conspiracy.
André connects his troubles with Gaston's case.