The Slaves of Paris · Chapter
A Stab in the Dark explained
The Duke de Champdoce receives an anonymous letter accusing his wife, Diana, of infidelity and suggesting he spy on her.
What happens
The Duke de Champdoce receives an anonymous letter accusing his wife, Diana, of infidelity and suggesting he spy on her. Despite initial disbelief, doubt grows, and he secretly rides to Paris to watch his house. He sees a man enter the garden and a light move in his wife's room, confirming his suspicions.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the psychological peak of M. de Puymandour’s delusio…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Deception and Secrecy
The anonymous letter embodies deception, and the Duke's secret surveillance reflects the theme of hidden truths.
- Marriage as Transaction
The Duke's lack of love for his wife and his suspicion highlight the transactional nature of their marriage.
- Power and Manipulation
The anonymous writer manipulates the Duke's emotions and actions, demonstrating power through secrecy.
Characters to notice
- Duke de Champdoce
Receives an anonymous letter accusing his wife of infidelity; struggles with doubt and decides to spy on her.
- Jean Lamou
Faithful old servant who helps the Duke leave the house secretly and arranges a horse.
- Diana de Mussidan
The Duchess, accused of infidelity; the Duke watches her lighted windows.
Key passages
“I hardly dare tell you the truth, and yet my conscience will give me no relief until I do so. I can no longer bear to see a gentleman such as you are deceived by a woman who has no heart or honorable feeling.”
The anonymous writer claims moral duty compels them to reveal the Duchess's infidelity.
The letter uses feigned reluctance to lend credibility to its accusations.
“My wife is an honorable and virtuous woman, and it is some discharged menial who has taken this cowardly mode of revenge.”
Norbert initially dismisses the letter as revenge from a former servant.
Shows his initial trust in his wife, which quickly erodes.
“Suppose a lover was with her now, what right had he to interfere? The law gave him leave, but what did his conscience say?”
Norbert questions his moral right to spy on his wife despite legal justification.
Highlights his internal conflict between duty and suspicion.
