These Old Shades · Character

Comte de Saint-Vire

A French nobleman whose hand shakes at the name Bonnard and whose vague travel stories conceal a desperate errand tied to Avon's ward.

supporting

Also known as Saint-Vire, Comte, the Comte de Saint-Vire

First appearance: Introducing the Comte de Saint-Vire

As a supporting figure in These Old Shades, Comte de Saint-Vire is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Introduced as a heavy-browed, red-haired man who takes a keen interest in Léon, causing tension with Avon.

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Saint-Vire arrives at Merivale with a story about a schooner and a friend named Chalmer that no one quite believes, and his composure cracks the moment Léonie's name is mentioned. He probes for news of Avon's whereabouts and the girl's presentation with a hunger that alarms his hosts, and his old scandal with the Alastair family surfaces in Merivale's memory. His quiet menace makes him the shadow pursuing Léonie across the novel's middle chapters, and his fear of what she might remember drives the plot's central conflict.

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Character Web

34 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Main characters and allies
Bonnard family and neighbors
Servants and minor associates
Court, society, and extended cast

+29 more in the full Character Web

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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’…

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In the story

Comte de Saint-Vire appears across 18 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Introducing the Comte de Saint-Vire
Introduced as a heavy-browed, red-haired man who takes a keen interest in Léon, causing tension with Avon.
III: Which Tells of a Debt Unpaid
The object of Avon's vengeance; his past insult and refusal to apologize are detailed.
His Grace of Avon Becomes Further Acquainted with His Page
Saint-Vire confronts Léon at the ball, asking about his birthplace, and later brushes past Avon in the ballroom.
VII: Satan and Priest at One
Mentioned as the possible father of Léonie. Avon theorizes that Saint-Vire switched his legitimate daughter with the Bonnards' son to secure an heir.
The Education of Léonie
Avon warns Léonie to beware of him, promising to explain why another day.
XVI: The Coming of the Comte de Saint-Vire
Arrives unexpectedly in the area, claiming to be traveling north. He dines with the Merivales and inquires about the Duke and Léonie, but his manner is evasive and his presence raises suspicion.
Of a Capture, a Chase, and Confusion
Abducts Léonie from the wood and escapes by coach to a waiting schooner.
XVIII: The Indignation of Mr. Manvers
Abducts Léonie and takes her to France; revealed to be her father.
Lord Rupert Wins the Second Trick
The antagonist who drugged and abducted Léonie. He wounds Rupert in a confrontation but is forced to flee when Rupert fires a pistol.
His Grace of Avon Takes Command of the Game
Mentioned as the abductor; Avon expects his arrival and plans to confront him.
XXI: The Discomfiture of the Comte de Saint-Vire
Discomfited by Avon's arrival and veiled threats; leaves in anger.
The Arrival of Another Player in the Game
Mentioned as the object of Avon's vengeance for his attack on Léonie and for past grievances.
XXIV: Hugh Davenant Is Agreeably Surprised
Revealed as the one who abducted Léonie; Avon has sent him an invitation to the ball.
XXVI: The Presentation of Léonie
Present at the ball, renews acquaintance with Léonie, and is confronted by Avon.
The Hand of Madame de Verchoureux
Revealed as Léonie's biological father; his displeasure at her success is noted by Avon.
The Comte de Saint-Vire Discovers an Ace in His Hand
Reveals himself as Léonie's father and attempts to manipulate her into leaving Avon, threatening scandal if she refuses.
His Grace of Avon Trumps the Comte's Ace
Present with his wife; becomes increasingly agitated as Avon's tale unfolds, half-rising from his chair and tugging at his cravat.
XXXI: His Grace of Avon Wins All
Reported dead by his own hand at Madame du Deffand's soirée after Avon exposed his crimes.

Chapter companion notes

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