Catriona · Chapter
We Meet in Dunkirk explained
David Balfour endures a period of separation from Catriona, sustained by letters from James More and a brief, suspicious postscript from Catriona herself.
What happens
David Balfour endures a period of separation from Catriona, sustained by letters from James More and a brief, suspicious postscript from Catriona herself. Alan Breck Stewart arrives and offers blunt counsel on David's romantic predicament. James More invites them both to Dunkirk, ostensibly for business with Alan. David and Alan travel to Dunkirk, arriving at Bazin's Inn on the dunes. During a dinner, Alan's charm draws Catriona out of her melancholy, but James More's sudden return turns her to stone. Alan cryptically hints that David has been foolish in love.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Manipulation
James More's letters are revealed as manipulative, using Catriona as a pretext for money; Catriona's postscript warns David not to believe him.
Love and Sacrifice
David's enduring affection for Catriona despite her father's schemes; his willingness to travel to Dunkirk to see her.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Alan's loyal friendship to David contrasts with James More's self-serving betrayal of trust.
Characters to notice
- David Balfour
Narrator; endures separation from Catriona, receives letters, and travels to Dunkirk with Alan.
- Alan Breck Stewart
Arrives to keep David company; offers blunt advice on women; accompanies David to Dunkirk and charms Catriona at dinner.
- Catriona Drummond
Writes a suspicious postscript on her father's letter; initially gay in Alan's company but turns stone-like upon James More's return.
- James More Macgregor
Writes letters to David, leaves on a private mission to England, and returns suddenly during the dinner in Dunkirk.
Key passages
“I cannae make head nor tail of it, but it sticks in my mind ye've made a gowk of yourself.”
Alan tells David he cannot understand the situation and suspects David has made a fool of himself.
Alan's blunt assessment of David's romantic troubles.
“Do not be believing him, it is all lies together.”
Catriona warns David not to trust her father's words.
Catriona's postscript reveals her distrust of James More.
“Ye muckle ass! ... It's extraordinar, David man, that you should be so mortal stupit.”
Alan calls David a great fool and expresses astonishment at his denseness.
Alan's cryptic criticism after observing Catriona's behavior.