# XVI explained — Sir Percy Hits Back

> Chapter companion for Sir Percy Hits Back by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Innocence and Corruption

Fleurette's innocent faith in Bibi contrasts with the corruption and terror of the revolutionary authorities.

### Love and Loyalty

Fleurette's love for Amédé drives her to brave danger and exhaustion, showing her loyalty.

### Class and Social Division

The fear and suspicion in Sisteron reflect the class divisions and persecution of aristocrats (ci-devants).

## Character check-ins

### Fleurette

Determined and brave, she persists in her search for Citizen Armand despite exhaustion and fear, driven by love for Amédé.

### Old Louise

Dog-tired and terrified, she accompanies Fleurette and provides money for their journey, supplied by Bibi.

### Baptiste Portal

Landlord of Les Amandiers inn, initially suspicious but mollified by Louise's money and Fleurette's appearance.

### Bibi

Mentioned as Fleurette's protector; she believes he will keep them safe in Orange.

### Amédé Colombe

The thought of him drives Fleurette's courage; his arrest is unknown to the commissary.

### Armand

Citizen Armand of Lou Mas, sought by Fleurette; he has gone to Orange.

### Lieutenant Godet

Mentioned as the arrogant lieutenant of the ragamuffin soldiers who disturbed Baptiste Portal.

## Key lines

> The echo of the terrible doings in Orange, in Toulon and Lyons had penetrated as far as this hitherto peaceful little town. Tales of summary arrests, of death-sentences without trial, of wholesale massacres were on everybody’s lips.

News of the brutal executions and arrests in Orange, Toulon, and Lyons had reached Sisteron, filling the townspeople with fear.

_Describes the atmosphere of terror spreading from the revolutionary tribunals._

> Orange, the tiger’s den! How could two unprotected women hope to enter it without being devoured?

Orange was a dangerous place, like a tiger's lair, and the women feared they would be destroyed if they went there.

_Louise's terror at the thought of going to Orange._

> But Fleurette only smiled. What had they to fear seeing Bibi chéri would be there? Was not Bibi far, far more powerful than the whole of the revolutionary army?

Fleurette was unafraid because she believed Bibi was powerful enough to protect them from any danger.

_Fleurette's naive trust in Chauvelin's power._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sir_percy_hits_back_se/chapters/xvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sir_percy_hits_back_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sir_percy_hits_back_se/chapters