# VIII: The Dream explained — Scaramouche > Chapter companion for Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini. ## What happens André-Louis is taken into Aline's carriage, leading to a tense conversation about his involvement with the Binet troupe and his relationship with Climène. Aline expresses contempt for actresses, while André-Louis defends Climène and reveals his intention to marry her. Their argument escalates, and André-Louis leaves the carriage in anger. Later, at the inn, the troupe speculates about his mysterious noble connections, and Climène's feelings toward him deepen. André-Louis learns that Aline is visiting her aunt and that the Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr will be among the guests. ## Themes in this chapter ### Social Class and Revolution André-Louis's disguise as an actor and his defense of Climène challenge class prejudices, while Aline's contempt for actresses reflects aristocratic attitudes. ### Love and Manipulation Climène's growing affection for André-Louis is influenced by her belief in his noble birth, and Aline's marriage to La Tour d'Azyr is portrayed as a transactional arrangement. ### Identity and Disguise André-Louis's dual life as Scaramouche and his hidden past create tension; the troupe misinterprets his connection with Aline as proof of noble lineage. ## Character check-ins ### André-Louis Moreau Reveals to Aline that he has joined the Binet troupe as Scaramouche and intends to marry Climène; defends Climène's honor against Aline's scorn. ### Aline de Kercadiou Confronts André-Louis about his association with the theatre and Climène; expresses disdain for actresses and defends her own marriage plans. ### Climène Left bewildered after André-Louis departs with Aline; later becomes hopeful and shy toward André-Louis, believing him to be a gentleman of high birth. ### M. Binet Shows newfound respect for André-Louis after the carriage incident; hints that he always suspected André-Louis was a gentleman. ### Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr Mentioned as a guest expected at Mme. de Sautron's château; André-Louis questions Aline about his role in Philippe de Vilmorin's death. ### Harlequin Speculates that André-Louis is a prince in disguise; spreads the tale of the carriage encounter among the troupe. ## Key lines > The door," Aline commanded her footman, and "Mount here beside me," she commanded André-Louis, in the same breath. Aline ordered her footman to open the door and then told André-Louis to get into the carriage beside her. _Aline's commanding tone establishes her authority and her familiarity with André-Louis._ > I was foolish enough to imagine you to be different; rather above such trivial pursuits. I conceived you something of an idealist." "Sheer flattery." "So I perceive. Aline says she thought André-Louis was above chasing actresses, but he dismisses her compliment as flattery, confirming her disappointment. _Highlights Aline's idealized view of André-Louis and his self-deprecating response._ > I have joined the Binet Troupe, and how the men of the maréchaussée forced upon him the discovery that in its bosom he could lie safely lost until the hue and cry had died down. André-Louis explains that he joined the troupe to hide from the authorities who were pursuing him. _Reveals André-Louis's pragmatic reason for becoming an actor, linking to his flight from Gavrillac._ > Honour and virtue are possible to a theatre girl; they are impossible to a lady who sells herself to gratify ambition; who for position, riches, and a great title barters herself in marriage. André-Louis argues that an actress can be honorable, but a woman who marries for wealth and status cannot. _André-Louis's moral stance contrasts with Aline's planned marriage to La Tour d'Azyr._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/viii-the-dream - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scaramouche_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters