El Dorado · Chapter
XXIX: For the Sake of That Helpless Innocent explained
In a tense prison cell, Sir Percy Blakeney entrusts Marguerite with hidden letters containing final instructions for the Dauphin's escape.
What happens
In a tense prison cell, Sir Percy Blakeney entrusts Marguerite with hidden letters containing final instructions for the Dauphin's escape. He reveals that he rescued Jeanne Lange for Armand's sake, and insists that the Dauphin's safety is paramount. After collapsing from exhaustion, Percy is brutally roused by soldiers demanding information about Capet. He strikes a soldier, leading to a violent scuffle, and Marguerite is torn away as he shouts 'Remember!'
Themes in this chapter
Sacrifice and Redemption
Percy sacrifices himself for the Dauphin's safety, echoing a 'Calvary of humiliation and suffering' and the words 'It is accomplished.'
Love and Loyalty
Marguerite's unwavering trust and Percy's devotion to her and the Dauphin highlight deep loyalty and love.
Innocence and Suffering
The Dauphin as a helpless innocent suffers due to political turmoil, while Percy endures physical and mental torment.
Characters to notice
- Sir Percy Blakeney
Haggard but resolute, he gives Marguerite hidden letters and insists on saving the Dauphin at all costs, then collapses and later fights soldiers.
- Marguerite Blakeney
Visits Percy in prison, receives the packet of letters, and is torn away during the scuffle.
- Armand St. Just
Mentioned as having lost reason due to Jeanne Lange's arrest; Percy rescued Jeanne for him.
- Jeanne Lange
Rescued by Percy from prison; Armand's love for her led to his disobedience.
- Sir Andrew Ffoulkes
Mentioned as recipient of Percy's instructions for the Dauphin's escape; searched prison registers for Armand.
- The Dauphin
The helpless innocent; Percy plans his escape to Holland via Delft.
Key passages
“a helpless innocent whom Heaven aided me to save.”
A vulnerable child that divine providence helped me rescue.
Percy refers to the Dauphin as a sacred charge.
“I have waited a week, until this hour when I could place this packet in your hands; another ten days should see the Dauphin out of France—after that, we shall see.”
I've held out for a week to give you these papers; in ten more days the Dauphin should be safe in Holland, and then we'll face what comes.
Percy outlines his timeline for the escape plan.
“Do not blame him overmuch, dear heart. Armand was in love, and love excuses every sin committed in its name.”
Don't judge Armand too harshly; his love for Jeanne drove his actions, and love can justify any mistake.
Percy defends Armand's betrayal due to romantic passion.