Pimpernel and Rosemary · Chapter
XVIII explained
Elza learns from Rosemary that Philip and Anna's release is only temporary and they face a charge of treason against the state, which could lead to a military tribunal and possibly a death sentence.
What happens
Elza learns from Rosemary that Philip and Anna's release is only temporary and they face a charge of treason against the state, which could lead to a military tribunal and possibly a death sentence. Despite Rosemary's attempts to reassure her, Elza is deeply troubled and questions whether Rosemary has the power to save her son. Later, Elza confronts Rosemary about a mysterious gypsy's prophecy, and Rosemary swears she cannot save Philip and Anna. The chapter ends with Elza's quiet despair and Rosemary's insistence on hope and prayer.
Themes in this chapter
Political Oppression and Nationalism
Philip and Anna face treason charges for writing and distributing articles critical of Romanian rule, illustrating the brutal suppression of Hungarian nationalism.
Love and Sacrifice
Elza's maternal love drives her to seek the truth, while Rosemary's love for Philip and Anna leads her to lie and swear falsely to protect them.
Characters to notice
- Elza Imrey
Learns the truth about Philip and Anna's precarious situation; confronts Rosemary about the gypsy's prophecy and her own powerlessness.
- Rosemary Fowkes
Reveals to Elza that Philip and Anna face treason charges; swears she cannot save them, though she is hiding her own involvement.
- Peter Blakeney
Roughly handled the gypsy; later plays the csàrdàs on the piano, displaying musical talent.
- Philip Imrey
Dances with Anna; his and Anna's release is revealed to be temporary, with a charge of treason hanging over them.
- Anna Heves
Dances with Philip; implicated in sending Philip's articles through her parcels.
Key passages
“I am sorry he did that. The man really had a message for me.”
Elza regrets that Peter treated the gypsy roughly, as the gypsy had a genuine message for her.
Elza reveals the gypsy's purpose was not a letter but a prophetic warning.
“He said that the stranger now within our gates knows of this danger, and would confirm what he said.”
The gypsy claimed that the foreigner staying at the house is aware of the danger to Philip and can confirm it.
Elza connects the gypsy's prophecy to Rosemary, implying she knows more than she admits.
“Swear to me, Rosemary, that there is nothing in the world that you can do to save Philip!”
Elza demands that Rosemary swear she has no power to save Philip from death.
Elza's desperation leads her to confront Rosemary directly, seeking the truth about her son's fate.