Beauvallet · Chapter
Chapter XI explained
At the ball in honor of Don Diego's birthday, Sir Nicholas Beauvallet, disguised as the Chevalier de Guise, boldly approaches Dominica and dances with her despite Don Diego's objections.
What happens
At the ball in honor of Don Diego's birthday, Sir Nicholas Beauvallet, disguised as the Chevalier de Guise, boldly approaches Dominica and dances with her despite Don Diego's objections. Later, Dominica slips away to a private antechamber where Beauvallet arranges to meet her that night by climbing to her window. Meanwhile, Dominica schemes to use her suitor Miguel de Tobar to counter the Carvalhos' plans.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Romance
Beauvallet and Dominica's secret meeting and planned nighttime rendezvous underscore their passionate, forbidden romance.
Identity and Disguise
Beauvallet's masquerade as the Chevalier de Guise allows him to infiltrate the Spanish court and approach Dominica.
Power and Authority
Doña Beatrice and Don Diego exert control over Dominica, while she schemes to use Tobar to assert her own agency.
Characters to notice
- Sir Nicholas Beauvallet
Disguised as the Chevalier de Guise, he dances with Dominica and arranges a secret nighttime meeting at her window.
- Doña Dominica de Rada y Sylva
Attends the ball reluctantly, schemes to use Miguel de Tobar against the Carvalhos, and secretly meets Beauvallet to plan their escape.
- Don Diego de Carvalho
Jealous of Beauvallet's attention to Dominica, he confronts him and later complains to his mother about her encouragement.
- Doña Beatrice de Carvalho
Manipulatively allows Dominica to dance with Beauvallet, believing it will secure her compliance later.
- Don Rodriguez de Carvalho
Present at the ball, he fondles Dominica's hand and compliments her, but she despises his weakness.
- Don Miguel de Tobar
Mentioned as a potential suitor Dominica plans to use to counter the Carvalhos' designs.
Key passages
“I had a set resolve to journey here.”
I was determined to come to Spain.
Beauvallet confesses his deliberate intent to find Dominica.
“What a game to play with fire! Oh, he was mad indeed, divinely mad!”
This is a dangerous game; he is recklessly bold, but wonderfully so.
Dominica admires Beauvallet's audacity despite the risk.
“I must have speech with you alone. Which way looks your chamber?”
I need to talk to you privately. Which direction does your room face?
Beauvallet arranges a secret meeting at Dominica's window.
“Set a lamp in your window when you judge all to be asleep, to give me a sign.”
Place a light in your window when everyone is asleep, as a signal for me.
Beauvallet instructs Dominica on how to signal him for their nighttime rendezvous.