Saetone (Andriot)

Overview

Andriot Saetone is a Niçois man who acts as intermediary and go-between in Marie's social circle, particularly in matters involving Audiffret. Marie gives him multiple code names: "Mercure" (Mercury, messenger of the gods), "Enoteas" (anagram/wordplay on Saetone), and "Satan-Saetone" (combining his name with the devil). She also calls him "le Grand Mercure" (the chief messenger).

Identity

• First name: Andriot (revealed in 046.0649: "Andriot Saëtone")
• Niçois social figure
• Older than Marie's circle; she ironically calls him "mon oncle"
• Described as handsome: "le bel Andriot" (046.0657)
• Associated with de Cessole in Audiffret's social group

Role in Marie's Circle (1875)

Saetone occupies a specific and problematic role:

• Entremetteur: Nina Sapogenikoff identifies him as a meddler who deliberately stirs romantic intrigue among the young women
• Audiffret's agent: He carries messages, reports on sentiments, and tries to arrange connections between Audiffret and various girls (Marie, Olga)
• Provocateur: He told Olga that Audiffret was "éperdument amoureux d'elle" and mentioned her constantly in his letters — Nina sees this as deliberately "troubling" her daughter
• Confidant: Saetone positioned himself as confidant to everyone, which Marie mocks: "lorsqu'on est réduit à ce rôle, c'est le dernier mal d'un monsieur"
• The insult incident: Marie inadvertently snubbed Saetone by turning away when he offered his arm, causing a minor social crisis that runs through several entries

Diary References

Carnet 045 (Sept-Oct 1875)

• Marie offends him by not accepting his arm at the Hernani outing
• Referred to as "Mercure" and "Grand Mercure"

Carnet 046 (Oct 1875)

• Oct 3: Full exposure of his meddling role at Nina's soirée; compared to Mephistopheles
• Oct 4: Called "Satan-Saëtone"; his manipulation of Olga discussed
• Oct 5: Marie includes him in her caricature drawings of the Niçois circle
• Oct 7: Encountered at theater, Marie says "bonsoir" in her characteristically assured voice
• Oct 12: Formal reconciliation when Marie's mother arrives; Saetone approaches to "explain" himself