These Old Shades · Chapter
VII: Satan and Priest at One explained
The Duke of Avon visits M.
What happens
The Duke of Avon visits M. de Beaupré, the Curé, to discuss Léonie's past and his suspicions about her true parentage. Avon reveals that Léonie was raised as a boy by Jean Bonnard, who sold her to him. He proposes that Léonie is actually the legitimate daughter of the Comte de Saint-Vire, switched at birth with the Bonnards' son, who is now the Vicomte de Valmé. The Curé admits he also suspected Léonie was of Saint-Vire blood but assumed she was a baseborn child. Avon asks the Curé to let Saint-Vire believe he has a written confession from the dying Mère Bonnard, and the Curé agrees to help, though he questions Avon's intentions.
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 Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological and emotional peak of the Duke of Avon’…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Identity and Disguise
Léonie's true identity is hidden; she has been raised as a boy and is suspected to be the legitimate daughter of the Comte de Saint-Vire, switched at birth.
- Power and Control
Avon exerts control over Léonie's fate, buying her and manipulating the narrative of her parentage to use against Saint-Vire.
- Social Class and Scandal
The potential scandal of a noble child raised as a commoner and the implications for inheritance and social standing drive the plot.
Characters to notice
- Justin, Duke of Avon
Visits the Curé to discuss Léonie's past and his theory about her being the legitimate daughter of the Comte de Saint-Vire. He reveals he bought Léonie from Jean Bonnard and plans to take her to England.
- M. de Beaupré
The Curé who cared for Léonie as a child. He admits he suspected Léonie was of Saint-Vire blood but assumed she was a baseborn child. He agrees to help Avon by letting Saint-Vire believe a written confession exists.
- Léonie de Bonnard
The girl at the center of the discussion. Avon reveals she was raised as a boy by Jean Bonnard and is now his page. He suspects she is the legitimate daughter of the Comte de Saint-Vire.
- Comte de Saint-Vire
Mentioned as the possible father of Léonie. Avon theorizes that Saint-Vire switched his legitimate daughter with the Bonnards' son to secure an heir.
- Jean Bonnard
The man who claimed to be Léonie's brother. He sold Léonie to Avon and dressed her as a boy. He is now deceased.
- Mère Bonnard
The woman who raised Léonie. On her deathbed, she tried to reveal something about Léonie's true parentage but died before she could finish.
Key passages
“Body and soul she is mine. I bought her from the ruffian who called himself her brother.”
Avon claims complete ownership of Léonie, having purchased her from Jean Bonnard.
Avon asserts his control over Léonie's fate, revealing the transactional nature of their relationship.
“I have never before heard that—Satanas—chose a priest for his ally, m’sieur.”
The Curé remarks on the irony of Avon, known as Satan, seeking a priest's help.
Highlights the moral complexity of Avon's character and his reputation.
“When I saw the child grow up in a delicate mould; when I saw those blue eyes, and those black brows, coupled with hair of flame, I was puzzled.”
The Curé recalls noticing Léonie's distinctive features, which reminded him of the Saint-Vire family.
Foreshadows the revelation of Léonie's true parentage.
