Contents
Part II The Baths — Chapter Seven
Overview
At the Commissioner’s opulent gala, Senlin executes a ruse, feigning scent sensitivity to claim Ogier’s painting is perfumed. The Commissioner panics, then listens. After rejecting the skyport, he accepts Tarrou’s proposal to sun the piece in his secure solarium. Senlin is invited to oversee the process, advancing the theft plan.
Summary
Senlin and John Tarrou enter Commissioner Pound’s lavish gala, passing customs agents with hairless scent-detecting dogs. The ballroom dazzles with art and spectacle, and Tarrou expertly navigates the crowd to position Senlin before Ogier’s “Girl with a Paper Boat,” the target of their planned recovery for Ogier.
Commissioner Emmanuel Pound approaches, preening over his collection. Senlin flatters his taste and poses as an art scholar. At the painting, Senlin abruptly feigns sneezes, implying the work carries perfume. Pound panics, dons a gas mask, and halts the party, then withdraws to the balcony with agents, Senlin, and Tarrou.
Outside, Senlin claims he is also scent-sensitive and suggests the painting is tainted by Ogier’s perfumed studio. Playing to Pound’s vanity, he proposes deodorizing by controlled sunlight exposure so he can also study and write about the piece. Pound refuses to use the skyport, calling it insecure.
Tarrou intercedes, proposing the Commissioner’s private, highly secure solarium accessible via the Customs Bureau Building. Flattered and reassured, Pound agrees, inviting Senlin to supervise the “defuming” the next morning, with his men expecting him. The plan shifts: while the port is denied, Senlin gains sanctioned access to the painting in a new, controlled setting.
Who Appears
- Thomas SenlinPoses as an art scholar; fakes an allergy to label Ogier’s painting perfumed and secures access for “defuming.”
- John TarrouSocially agile ally; navigates the gala and suggests moving the painting to the Commissioner’s solarium.
- Commissioner Emmanuel PoundAllergy-prone art collector; alarmed by Senlin’s ruse and agrees to sun the painting in his secure solarium.
- Customs agentsCommissioner’s security; manage scent-screening dogs and escort the party during the balcony incident.