Sir Percy Hits Back · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Sir Percy Hits Back by Baroness Orczy.
Chapter 1
I
In the village of Sisteron, Lieutenant Godet and his soldiers discuss the Law of the Suspect at the inn Les Amandiers. The Frontenac family is declared suspect, and a perquisition is planned for the next day. Old Baptiste Portal and the local peasants listen in fear, while two charcoal-burners observe from the corner. The chapter sets a grim tone of revolutionary tyranny and the impending tragedy for the Frontenacs.
Chapter 2
Chapter II
Sir Percy Blakeney and his fellow Scarlet Pimpernel league members, Sir Andrew Ffoulkes and Lord Tony, plan the rescue of the Frontenac family from arrest by revolutionary soldiers. Blakeney describes his failed attempt to warn Monsieur de Frontenac, who refuses to believe in the danger. The men discuss the need to gather information about a girl named Fleurette, who is said to be devoted to the Frontenacs. Blakeney gives orders for the night's reconnaissance and the group prepares for the dangerous mission ahead, balancing their serious purpose with moments of boyish humor.
Chapter 3
III
The chapter describes Fleurette's home, Lou Mas, and her eighteenth birthday celebration with her father Bibi. The day is joyful with a special dinner and gifts, but turns somber when Fleurette innocently mentions that her new shawl might be from England, causing Bibi to break a glass and become withdrawn.
Chapter 4
IV
Fleurette's eighteenth birthday celebration is marked by the arrival of Amédé and his father Hector Colombe. Amidst the festivities, Amédé reveals he must leave to join the army, causing sorrow. Bibi warns of spies, and the chapter contrasts the innocence of young love with the harsh realities of revolutionary France.
Chapter 5
Parting is not such sweet sorrow
On her eighteenth birthday, Fleurette bids farewell to Bibi and Amédé, who are leaving for the army. After they depart, she encounters a troop of ragged soldiers led by a gruff officer who inquires after Citizen Armand and the Frontenac château. Later, a mysterious voice tells her that papers and valuables are hidden behind a panel in Madame de Frontenac's room. Fleurette, feeling a call akin to Joan of Arc's, resolves to go to the château to warn Madame.
Chapter 6
VI
This chapter describes the de Frontenac family estate, a large farmhouse in Dauphiné, and the family's history and character. Charles de Frontenac, a loyalist to the martyred King, lives a simple, rustic life with his wife Anne de Grandville and their invalid daughter Rose, whom he adores. Fleurette is also present, bringing joy and brightness to the household.
Chapter 7
Chapter VII
Fleurette learns of the soldiers' raid on the château and the disappearance of Madame and Mademoiselle de Frontenac. Old Mathieu and the servants recount the events: the soldiers arrived, demanded entry in the name of the Republic, searched for the ci-devant Frontenacs, and vented their fury on the property when they could not find the ladies. Fleurette connects the raid to the mysterious faggot-carrier and the voice that told her where valuables were hidden, realizing the danger is real and close.
Chapter 8
Chapter VIII
Fleurette, having hidden Madame's valuables, navigates the wreckage of the château after a brutal perquisition by revolutionary soldiers. She encounters her father, Bibi (Chauvelin), who questions her presence. Despite her love for him, she keeps her secrets, including the casket and the faggot-carrier's message, and narrowly escapes through a back door, determined to fulfill her mission for the Frontenacs.
Chapter 9
IX
Fleurette flees the château after the arrest, carrying Madame's valuables. She seeks shelter at the widow Tronchet's cottage, where she encounters Adèle and the disapproving widow. Fleurette asks Adèle to secretly deliver a message to Amédé, fearing her father Bibi (Chauvelin) might discover her secret.
Chapter 10
The Secret Trust
Fleurette, having hidden Madame de Frontenac's valuables, anxiously awaits Amédé Colombe in the darkness. She confides in him about the soldiers' raid on the château, the escape of Madame and Mademoiselle, and her fear that Bibi (Chauvelin) would force her to surrender the treasures. Amédé agrees to hide the casket, wallet, and moneybag in a secret hole in his tool-shed, and their intimate exchange deepens their bond as they share a tender moment under the night sky.
Chapter 11
XI
Fleurette and Amédé walk arm in arm through the village, reveling in their newly confessed love and the bond sealed by a kiss, while Fleurette entrusts him with Madame's valuables. They part near Lou Mas, and Fleurette returns to find old Louise waiting; Bibi arrives later, looking tired and anxious but saying nothing of the château events. Fleurette goes to bed in a dream of joy and sorrow, and by morning Bibi has already left.
Chapter 12
XII
The chapter details the arrest of Amédé Colombe, accused of hiding valuables belonging to Madame de Frontenac. A new, immaculate detachment of Republican soldiers arrives in Laragne, led by a magnificent officer who confronts the disheveled lieutenant from the previous night. Ma'ame Colombe protests her son's innocence, but Amédé's guilty silence and the discovery of the hidden items confirm the charges. The officer threatens Amédé with conscription into the revolutionary army as a means of redemption, while Monsieur de Frontenac remains a prisoner under guard.
Chapter 13
XIII
Fleurette learns from Adèle that Amédé Colombe and M'sieu' de Frontenac have been arrested and taken to Sisteron. Despite old Louise's protests, Fleurette insists on going to Sisteron to comfort Amédé and seek help from chéri Bibi. Louise reluctantly agrees, and the two women set out on their journey.
Chapter 14
XIV
Fleurette learns from M'sieu' Duflos that Amédé has been arrested and that Madame de Frontenac's valuables were found in the Colombe's cart-shed. She rushes to the Colombe home, determined to help. Old Louise worries and wishes Fleurette's father were present. M'sieu' Duflos warns Louise about Adèle's familiarity with the soldiers.
Chapter 15
XV
Fleurette comforts Ma'ame Colombe and insists on going to Sisteron to confess that she hid Madame de Frontenac's valuables, in order to clear Amédé's name of theft.
Chapter 16
XVI
Fleurette and Louise arrive in Sisteron after a long, weary journey, only to face disappointment after disappointment as they search for Citizen Armand. The city is tense with fear of the revolutionary terror, and their inquiries yield little. They learn that Armand has gone to Orange, the very heart of the terror, but Fleurette's faith in Bibi (Chauvelin) gives her courage. They secure lodgings at Les Amandiers inn and prepare to continue their journey to Orange.
Chapter 17
Chapter XVII
Citizen Chauvelin interrogates Lieutenant Godet about the escape of Amédé Colombe, who was rescued by English spies posing as French soldiers. Godet recounts the deception and the subsequent march, while Chauvelin and the committee threaten him with execution unless he redeems himself by tracking down the spies. The chapter highlights the paranoia and brutality of the Revolutionary government, as well as Chauvelin's ruthless determination.
Chapter 18
XVIII
Fleurette and Louise arrive in Orange, where Fleurette hopes to find Bibi and secure Amédé's release. Lieutenant Godet, who recognizes Fleurette from a previous encounter, offers to guide them. He leads them to the Committee of Public Safety, where Fleurette discovers that Bibi is actually Citizen Chauvelin.
Chapter 19
XIX
Fleurette arrives in Orange and confesses to her father, Chauvelin, that she stole Madame de Frontenac's valuables to protect Amédé Colombe, who had been falsely accused. Chauvelin, initially overjoyed to see her, is horrified by her confession and the danger it puts her in. He arranges for their swift return to Lou Mas, but Fleurette is disturbed by his ruthless revolutionary fervor.
Chapter 20
Chapter XX
Fleurette is brought before Chauvelin, Pochart, and Danou on a charge of treason, instigated by Lieutenant Godet. Chauvelin struggles to defend her as the men invoke the Law of the Suspect, and he is haunted by visions of retribution for his own past cruelties.
Chapter 21
Chapter XXI
Chauvelin is forced to sign an order for Fleurette's arrest, while Adèle testifies against her, revealing her spying and the betrayal of the Frontenacs. Fleurette is taken to the house of detention, but remains trusting in Bibi's protection.
Chapter 22
XXII
Chauvelin successfully maneuvers to have the President of the Tribunal and Public Prosecutor Isnard summoned to Paris, temporarily halting the Revolutionary Tribunal in Orange and buying himself three weeks to try to save Fleurette from execution. He plans to accompany them as far as Lyons, then secretly return to Orange. Amid his anguish, he reflects bitterly on the Scarlet Pimpernel, imagining how his enemy would exult if he knew of Chauvelin's suffering.
Chapter 23
XXIII
Chauvelin, driven by a desperate plan to save Fleurette, manipulates President Legrange and Public Prosecutor Isnard into leaving Valence for Lyons. He then requisitions a chaise to Orange, but after a stormy night at the Maison des Têtes, he discovers his calèche, horses, driver, and postilion have been stolen by brigands, thwarting his scheme.
Chapter 24
Chapter XXIV
Sir Percy Blakeney and his band of Englishmen prepare to leave Amédé Colombe in a secluded cottage while they return to Laragne to gather news of Fleurette. Amédé writes a brief love letter to Fleurette for Sir Percy to deliver. The chapter highlights Amédé's trust in the Scarlet Pimpernel and his men, his anxiety for Fleurette's safety, and Sir Percy's confident, adventurous spirit as he plans the next phase of the rescue.
Chapter 25
XXV
Fleurette adapts to prison life in Architect Caristie's house, where prisoners engage in macabre playacting of the guillotine to cope with despair. She befriends Claire de Châtelard and the Comtesse de Mornas, finding solace in their kindness. The routine of daily death lists is broken by a mysterious respite, and Fleurette endures a terrifying encounter with the mock executioner, saved by a bribe. That night, she discovers a note in her kerchief.
Chapter 26
XXVI
Citizens Pochart and Danou suspect Chauvelin of manipulating the absence of the President and Prosecutor to protect his daughter Fleurette. They plot to use this against him, while Chauvelin returns to Orange and faces their veiled threats, relying on his superior intellect to outmaneuver them.
Chapter 27
XXVII
Chauvelin uses a decree to take control of the Tribunal, appointing himself as president and planning to appoint a substitute prosecutor, while privately agonizing over the threat to Fleurette and his hatred for the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Chapter 28
XXVIII
Chauvelin is tormented by the possibility that the Scarlet Pimpernel might rescue Fleurette, just as he has saved others. He oscillates between hope that his daughter will be saved and fear that his enemy will triumph again. When news arrives that the Scarlet Pimpernel is near Orange and has helped the Caristie family escape, Chauvelin intensifies security measures and becomes obsessed with linking the destruction of the Pimpernel to Fleurette's safety.
Chapter 29
Chapter XXIX
Chauvelin, torn between his public role as a revolutionary judge and his private desperation to save his daughter Fleurette, writes her a secret letter urging her to trust him and remain silent before the tribunal. He presides over the Revolutionary Tribunal in Orange, where the accused are condemned through formulaic indictments, and he struggles to keep Fleurette's name off the death lists. He observes her in prison, briefly comforted by the condemned Claire de Châtelard, and grows increasingly frantic as the Scarlet Pimpernel's rescue operations pause and his enemies close in.
Chapter 30
The Letter in the Shadows
Chauvelin arranges for a letter to be smuggled to Fleurette in prison, bribing two ruffians, Rémi and a scavenger, to deliver it. The meeting takes place in the Café de la Lune and a dark doorway, where Chauvelin insists on an answer or token in return for payment.
Chapter 31
XXXI
Fleurette grows accustomed to the grim mockeries in the prison common room, finding some amusement in the antics of a soot-painted aide who plays Satan. She associates him with a secret letter from Amédé and later receives a letter from Bibi, which brings her joy and reassurance. She writes a reply, trusting in Bibi's protection and obeying his command to remain silent before the Tribunal.
Chapter 32
XXXII
Sir Percy Blakeney, disguised as an English gentleman, confronts Chauvelin in his quarters, revealing that he knows Chauvelin is actually Citizen Armand, Fleurette's father. Blakeney delivers Fleurette's note and warns Chauvelin that his daughter is in grave danger from the very regime he serves, then departs, leaving Chauvelin in anguish.
Chapter 33
XXXIII
Chauvelin, facing the inevitable tragedy, exhausts all schemes to save Fleurette but realizes the mob's hatred will destroy her. He writes her name on the accusation forms, and Fleurette hears her name on the roll-call for trial. She remains unafraid, trusting Bibi's promise, and feels only disappointment at the absence of her grimy friend. She reflects on her actions without regret, believing she obeyed God's commands.
Chapter 34
XXXIV
Fleurette is brought before the Revolutionary Tribunal, where she is shocked to find Bibi (Chauvelin) presiding as judge. The courtroom is filled with a hostile crowd that boos and hisses at the prisoners. Fleurette tries to maintain her composure, but the oppressive atmosphere and the sight of Bibi's stern demeanor shake her faith in him. After fainting from the heat and tension, she is called to the stand under the name 'Fleur Chauvelin, nommée Armand.'
Chapter 35
XXXV
Fleurette's trial unfolds at the Revolutionary Tribunal, where Chauvelin, as presiding judge, desperately tries to secure her acquittal. Despite his initial success in swaying the crowd, Fleurette's own actions ruin her chance, leading to her condemnation. The chapter details the testimony of Adèle and the political maneuvering among the judges, highlighting the precariousness of justice under the Revolution.
Chapter 36
XXXVI
In the midst of a chaotic trial, a giant incites the crowd against President Chauvelin, revealing himself as Sir Percy Blakeney in disguise. He seizes the unconscious Fleurette and prepares to lead the mob to the guillotine, while Chauvelin, recognizing his enemy, succumbs to despair.
Chapter 37
XXXVII
After the dramatic trial, the crowd waits in vain for the prisoners to be brought out. Tartine, Pochart, Danou, and others discover that the private door is locked and the prisoners have vanished. The crowd eventually disperses, believing the devil himself spirited away Fleurette and Amédé. Tartine later recounts how Rémi, a supposed scavenger, orchestrated the escape.
Chapter 38
Chapter XXXVIII
Fleurette, exhausted from the day's trauma, drifts in and out of sleep while traveling in a post-chaise with Bibi. When they arrive in Nîmes, she is terrified until she hears Amédé's voice. He carries her to a safe house in Ste. Césaire and recounts his rescue by the Scarlet Pimpernel and his league, culminating in their joyful reunion.
Chapter 39
XXXIX
Chauvelin sits alone in the coach after seeing Fleurette carried to safety, lost in thought until Sir Percy Blakeney joins him. Blakeney reveals that Fleurette and Amédé will sail for England under Lady Blakeney's care, ensuring her happiness. Chauvelin offers his life in surrender, but Blakeney refuses, choosing instead to spare him as his own form of revenge, sending him safely to Nîmes.
