How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
They reached Felden by midafternoon. Las Bombas judged the town would suit them perfectly.
"It's big enough," he said as they halted in the market square, "to have gentry with money in their pockets, and small enough so they won't be too critical. An excellent place for the Oracle Priestess to learn the business. Then, on to greater fame and fortune." (10.1-2)
When he sets up a scheme, Las Bombas targets his ideal audience. The town of Felden is perfect for his Oracle Priestess skit because enough people are there to get taken in by his lies. One can only imagine how uncomfortable Theo is here, but at least the count has a sound business plan.
Quote #8
Las Bombas urged the company to consult the spirit on any matter of concern. Theo braced himself for disaster as questions showered on the Oracle from all sides. One gentleman demanded to know where his late uncle had hidden his will, as he expected to inherit all the estate. A lady anxiously sought spiritual advice on what colors would be coming into fashion. He expected Mickle to burst out laughing, but the girl kept a straight face. Sitting motionless, eyes closed, she gave every sign of being lost in the deepest trance; with a trick of her voice, she made the phrenological head seem to speak in eerie, sepulchral tones. The answers, however, were so vague that the questioners could take any meaning they chose. (11.3)
When people understand they're being deceived, they don't always mind—so long as they're entertained, they think they've gotten their money's worth. Theo seems fine with the deceit here, though perhaps that has to do with the absurdity of the questions people are asking.
Quote #9
Next night, Theo was almost willing to admit the count was right. The Oracle Priestess had become fashionable among the Felden gentry, probably through lack of better diversion. The audience, more and more, came to see and be seen; to be amused by the antics of the phrenological head; to admire the wistful charms of the Priestess. There was much gossip and laughter; no one, as far as Theo could gather, truly believed in the girl's ghostly pronouncements. Las Bombas might as well have opened a comedy theater. (11.19)
Nothing wrong so long as everyone's in on the joke, right? Theo does his best to ease his own conscience, setting up a perfect instance for his assuaged sense of decency to be violated once again—through a trick he devised.