Swann falls out of favor with the Verdurins. He is usurped by the Comte de Forcheville, who is willing to lie in order to remain in their good graces. And so, Swann's integrity fails him. Mme. Verdurin is already trying to set Odette up with Forcheville, and edge Swann out (p.373). In fact, in comparing the two M. Verdurin declares that he dislikes Swann's continual reluctance to share an opinion, while he greatly appreciates Forcheville's willingness to "tell you straight out what he thinks" (p.376), ironic since Forcheville is merely performing lip service. But the Verdurins, no doubt, prefer the lie.
Also ironic...their claiming Swann to be "a failure, one of those small-minded individuals who are envious of anything that's at all big" (p.377). So obvious it's almost not worth noting.
But Swann's fall from grace is not due only to the appearance of Forcheville. The Verdurins are known to be jealous of their "faithful" having relationships, so Swann's pointed interest in Odette alone could put him out of favor (remember, he has wooed her away from the group on occassion), but he also fails to follow some of the hosts' rules regarding absolute worship of the faithful, especially Cottard and Brichot. Forcheville, on the other hand, shows proper adulation towards all the faithful present, and in fact says little that isn't simply honoring one of the other guests.
We meet Brichot. He is a professor of something at the Sorbonne. His speech is peppered not with English like Odette's, but with Latin and other traditional references. He is intelligent but would not be welcome in the salons of the upper class because he is incredibly boring, giving speeches without social awareness. This accentuates the satire drawn in the Verdurin's drawing room with reference to the upper class and noble salons. Then Swann has the audacity to critique him to Mme. Verdurin (p.375)
And M. Verdurin has now perfected his version of the fake laugh. No need for real merriment in this house. (p.372)
Cool stuff
Use of the article "de" in French names. Often, but not always, connected to nobility. Notably, though, in later years some people added it in order to appear noble born.
Vocabulary
Termagant (p.357) a violent, argumentative woman
demirep (p.375) a woman of ill repute
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