Beauvallet · Chapter
XIV explained
At a party at Don Luis de Noveli's house, Don Diego's suspicions of his cousin Dominica's involvement with the Chevalier de Guise (secretly Sir Nicholas Beauvallet) intensify.
What happens
At a party at Don Luis de Noveli's house, Don Diego's suspicions of his cousin Dominica's involvement with the Chevalier de Guise (secretly Sir Nicholas Beauvallet) intensify. Dominica tries to keep Beauvallet at a distance, but the arrival of Don Maxia de Perinat, who recognizes Beauvallet's voice and laugh, leads to a dramatic confrontation. Perinat exposes Beauvallet as the English pirate, and a sword fight erupts.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Disguise
Beauvallet's masquerade as the Chevalier de Guise is shattered when Perinat recognizes him, highlighting the peril of hidden identities.
Honor and Reputation
Don Diego's jealousy and Perinat's vendetta are driven by personal honor, leading to a public confrontation.
Adventure and Risk
Beauvallet's reckless presence in enemy territory and his delight in danger underscore the theme of daring adventure.
Characters to notice
- Don Diego de Carvalho
Accompanies Dominica to the party, watches her jealously, and eventually accuses her of being Beauvallet's lover.
- Doña Beatrice de Carvalho
Dismisses Diego's suspicions about Dominica and the Chevalier, but worries about Tobar's arrival.
- Doña Dominica de Rada y Sylva
Attempts to keep Beauvallet at a distance and deflect attention from him, but is terrified when Perinat recognizes him.
- Sir Nicholas Beauvallet
Present as the Chevalier de Guise; maintains a cool, mocking demeanor even when exposed by Perinat, and draws his sword to fight.
- Don Maxia de Perinat
Recognizes Beauvallet by his voice and laugh, shouts his identity, and attacks him with sword and dagger.
- Don Luis de Noveli
Host of the party; tries to stop the sword fight in his house.
Key passages
“My dear Diego, The Chevalier shocks Dominica far more than he fascinates her. I regard the coming of Tobar with more misgiving.”
Beatrice tells Diego that Dominica is more repelled than attracted by the Chevalier, and she is more worried about Tobar's arrival.
Beatrice dismisses Diego's jealousy, focusing on a different threat.
“I tell you, señora, he was at her side more than half the evening at de Chinchon’s house last night, paying his court to her.”
Diego insists that the Chevalier spent most of the previous evening courting Dominica.
Diego's suspicion of Beauvallet's intentions is confirmed in his mind.
“How well you play the jealous lover! I never knew you had it in you to hate anyone as you hate this conquering stranger. It is most entertaining.”
Beatrice mocks Diego's intense hatred of the Chevalier, calling it amusing.
Beatrice finds Diego's jealousy theatrical rather than serious.
“He is a man like other men. I observed nothing remarkable in him.”
Dominica downplays Beauvallet's appearance to a curious girl, saying he is unremarkable.
Dominica tries to deflect attention from Beauvallet's true identity.
“Sangre de Dios, am I in my senses? Do I dream? El Beauvallet!”
Perinat exclaims in shock, questioning his sanity as he recognizes Beauvallet.
Perinat's recognition triggers the crisis of the chapter.
“Jesting dog of a pirate, are you not he? Ah, dare you look me in the face and say you are not he?”
Perinat accuses Beauvallet directly, challenging him to deny his identity.
Perinat's confrontation escalates the situation to violence.
