# VIII: The Spadassinicides explained — Scaramouche

> Chapter companion for Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini.

## What happens

André-Louis Moreau, as deputy-suppléant for the slain Lagron, delivers a provocative inaugural speech in the National Assembly, directly challenging the Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr and the Privileged party. He is challenged to a duel by M. de Chabrillane, but the next day appears alone, announcing that Chabrillane will be permanently absent, implying he has killed him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revenge and Justice

André-Louis's speech directly challenges the Marquis and the Privileged party, seeking justice for Lagron's murder.

### Theatre and Performance

André-Louis's theatrical delivery, snuffbox gesture, and dramatic announcement of Chabrillane's absence highlight his performative nature.

### Social Class and Revolution

The conflict between the Third Estate and the Privileged party is central, with André-Louis representing the revolutionary side.

## Character check-ins

### André-Louis Moreau

Returns to the National Assembly as deputy-suppléant for Lagron, delivers a provocative speech, and duels and kills Chabrillane.

### Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr

Present in the Assembly, recognizes André-Louis with unease, recalling he spared his life at Gavrillac.

### M. de Chabrillane

Challenges André-Louis to a duel after the speech; is killed by André-Louis.

### Le Chapelier

Encourages André-Louis with a grin during his speech; later receives snuff from him.

### Kersain

A Breton deputy who smiles approvingly at André-Louis's speech.

### Mirabeau

Observes André-Louis with wonder during the speech.

### Robespierre

Watches André-Louis attentively through a spyglass, with a tiger-cat smile.

### Lagron

The deceased deputy whose place André-Louis fills; his murder is referenced.

## Key lines

> I come before you as a deputy-suppléant to fill the place of one who was murdered some three weeks ago.

André-Louis announces he is replacing a deputy who was killed.

_Opening statement in the Assembly, directly accusing the Privileged party._

> Tomorrow morning, in the Bois. Perhaps you will bring a friend.

André-Louis accepts Chabrillane's duel challenge for the next morning.

_Shows his calm and mocking demeanor in the face of danger._

> I bring you also the excuses of M. de Chabrillane. He, unfortunately, will be permanently absent from this Assembly in future.

André-Louis announces that Chabrillane is dead and will not return.

_Dramatic conclusion to the duel, confirming André-Louis's victory._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters/viii-the-spadassinicides
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scaramouche_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scaramouche_se/chapters