Beauvallet · Chapter
XVII explained
Dominica faces the prospect of leaving Madrid for Vasconosa, while Joshua Dimmock, in disguise, observes Don Diego's departure and later manages to communicate with Dominica in a church.
What happens
Dominica faces the prospect of leaving Madrid for Vasconosa, while Joshua Dimmock, in disguise, observes Don Diego's departure and later manages to communicate with Dominica in a church. Sir Nicholas, imprisoned but well-treated, learns of the developments through Joshua's pantomime and begins to plan his escape.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Joshua's steadfast loyalty to Sir Nicholas is evident as he risks disguise and surveillance to gather information and plan the escape.
Adventure and Risk
Sir Nicholas's plan to escape is described as 'sufficiently desperate' and he adopts 'Reck Not' as his watchword, embracing the danger.
Identity and Disguise
Joshua adopts a disguise as a sober clerk, and Sir Nicholas maintains his Chevalier de Guise identity while planning to break free.
Characters to notice
- Doña Dominica de Rada y Sylva
Dismayed at the prospect of leaving Madrid, she prays silently for Beauvallet's safety and meets Joshua in church.
- Joshua Dimmock
In disguise, he watches Don Diego leave, communicates with Dominica in church, and later pantomimes news to Sir Nicholas from the street.
- Don Diego de Carvalho
Leaves Madrid a day ahead of his mother and cousin, heading to Vasconosa, arousing Joshua's suspicion.
- Doña Beatrice de Carvalho
Reluctantly decides they should leave Madrid on Saturday, and observes her son's departure with narrowed eyes.
- Sir Nicholas Beauvallet
Imprisoned but courteously treated, he observes Joshua from his window, interprets the pantomime, and begins planning a desperate escape.
- Don Cristobal de Porres
Visits Beauvallet daily, treats him with civility, and is increasingly convinced that Perinat made a mistake.
Key passages
“To stay could do Beauvallet no good. True enough, but how could one go, knowing him to be in such danger?”
Dominica knows remaining in Madrid won't help Beauvallet, but she cannot bear to leave while he is in peril.
Highlights Dominica's internal conflict between reason and emotion.
“Ay, go swiftly, villain! ... Waste no time, for you will have Mad Nick behind you, never doubt it!”
Joshua mutters that Don Diego should hurry, because Sir Nicholas will soon be pursuing him.
Shows Joshua's confidence in his master's eventual escape and his contempt for Don Diego.
“Let us take Reck Not for our watchword yet once again. It has not been known to fail us yet. But I am sorry for that sentry.”
Sir Nicholas decides to act recklessly, as he has done before, but regrets that the sentry will likely die.
Reveals Beauvallet's fatalistic courage and his willingness to sacrifice others for his goal.