El Dorado · Chapter
XIV: The Chief explained
Armand St.
What happens
Armand St. Just, exhausted and distraught, reports to Sir Percy Blakeney that Jeanne Lange has been arrested by Héron. Percy reveals he already knows, having gone to her lodgings too late. He gently reproaches Armand for his recklessness, which has endangered the League's plans, but reassures him that Jeanne will be safe. Percy orders Armand to leave Paris immediately, join Ffoulkes and Tony at La Villette, and send Tony to St. Germain. Armand, ashamed but trusting, obeys.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Duty
Percy emphasizes Armand's duty to the League and the importance of obedience and honor over personal feelings.
Love and Loyalty
Armand's love for Jeanne drives his reckless actions, while Percy's loyalty to the League and his promise to protect her is unwavering.
Sacrifice and Redemption
Percy selflessly risks himself for Armand and Jeanne, and Armand must sacrifice his immediate desires for the greater good.
Characters to notice
- Armand St. Just
Arrives breathless and distraught after Jeanne Lange's arrest; is gently rebuked by Percy for his recklessness, then ordered to leave Paris and join Ffoulkes and Tony.
- Sir Percy Blakeney
The chief of the League; calm and commanding, he reveals he already tried to save Jeanne, reassures Armand of her safety, and issues orders to protect the escape plan.
- Jeanne Lange
Arrested by Héron at her lodgings; Percy promises she will be safe and used only as a decoy.
- Héron
Leads the arrest of Jeanne Lange, hoping to capture Armand through her.
- Sir Andrew Ffoulkes
Mentioned as being at La Villette; Armand is to join him and send Tony to St. Germain.
- Lord Tony
Mentioned as being at La Villette with Ffoulkes; Armand is to send him to St. Germain to join Hastings.
Key passages
“I have given you my word, Armand, cannot you try and trust me—as the others do?”
Percy asks Armand to have faith in his promise, just as the other members of the League do.
Percy appeals to Armand's trust, highlighting the bond of loyalty within the League.
“Every one of his actions since his arrival in Paris two days ago had jeopardised a plan or endangered a life”
Armand realizes that his every move since coming to Paris has put the League's plans and people at risk.
Armand's self-reflection underscores the theme of duty and the consequences of personal recklessness.