El Dorado · Chapter
X: Shadows explained
In the aftermath of Héron's visit, Armand and Jeanne confess their love for one another.
What happens
In the aftermath of Héron's visit, Armand and Jeanne confess their love for one another. Jeanne urges Armand to leave Paris immediately, but he is torn between his devotion to her and his allegiance to the Scarlet Pimpernel. They make plans to meet again, and Jeanne expresses jealousy of the mysterious leader who holds Armand's loyalty.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Loyalty
Armand and Jeanne's love blossoms amid danger, while Jeanne's jealousy of the Scarlet Pimpernel reveals a conflict between romantic love and ideological loyalty.
Sacrifice and Redemption
Jeanne risks her own safety to save Armand, and Armand is willing to stay in perilous Paris for her sake, embodying self-sacrifice for love.
Characters to notice
- Armand St. Just
Confesses his love for Jeanne, pledges his life to her, and plans to consult with the Scarlet Pimpernel about their escape.
- Jeanne Lange
Emotionally unstrung after saving Armand, she admits her love for him and grows jealous of the Scarlet Pimpernel's hold on Armand.
- Héron
Mentioned as a threat; Jeanne fears he will return with spies to track Armand.
- De Batz
Jeanne suspects he was involved in Héron's visit that afternoon.
- Sir Percy Blakeney
Referenced as the Scarlet Pimpernel, the leader Armand reveres and plans to consult.
Key passages
“Oh! you must go out of Paris at once—at once, ... He’ll return—I know that he will return—and you will not be safe until you are back in England.”
Jeanne insists Armand must leave Paris immediately because Héron will surely come back, and only England will be safe for him.
Jeanne's urgent plea reflects the constant danger of arrest in Revolutionary Paris.
“I owe my life to you! ... Oh, how beautiful you are—how brave! How I love you!”
Armand declares his love and gratitude, feeling that Jeanne has saved his life.
Armand's outpouring of emotion marks the climax of his romantic confession.
“If the Scarlet Pimpernel keeps you in Paris now, your death will be at his door.”
Jeanne warns that if the Scarlet Pimpernel insists Armand stay in Paris, he will be responsible for Armand's death.
Jeanne's jealousy and fear for Armand's safety turn her against the mysterious hero.
“We will go to England together, ... and there we will be happy together, you and I. We will have a tiny house among the Kentish hills...”
Armand paints a idyllic picture of their future life in England, with a cottage and orchard.
This vision of peace contrasts sharply with the danger of their present situation.