# XXXII explained — Sir Percy Hits Back

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Disguise and Deception

Blakeney and his league use disguises as vagabonds to operate secretly; Chauvelin's identity as Armand is a key deception.

### Family and Paternal Love

Chauvelin's anguish over his daughter Fleurette's fate reveals his deep paternal love, contrasting with his role as a revolutionary.

### Heroism and Sacrifice

The Scarlet Pimpernel's league risks their lives to rescue innocents, including Fleurette, from the terror.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Percy Blakeney

Confronts Chauvelin, reveals his knowledge of Chauvelin's identity as Armand, and delivers Fleurette's note.

### Citizen Chauvelin

Revealed to be Fleurette's father, Citizen Armand; he is devastated by the realization that his daughter is in danger.

### Fleurette

Her note is delivered by Blakeney to Chauvelin; she is the central figure in the rescue plan.

### Lord Tony

Discusses the mystery of Armand and the rescue efforts with Blakeney and others.

### Sir Andrew Ffoulkes

Participates in the planning and warns Blakeney about taking risks.

### Lord Stowmaries

Comments on the possibility that Chauvelin has Armand imprisoned.

## Key lines

> always your pleasure to mock, Sir Percy,” Chauvelin said with an effort. “There are various popular sayings which I might recall to your mind, such as that the pitcher went once too often to the well.” “And Sir Percy once too often to visit his friend M. Chambertin, eh?”

Chauvelin accuses Blakeney of mocking him and warns that his luck will run out, comparing him to a pitcher that goes to the well too often. Blakeney retorts that Chauvelin refers to his visits to M. Chambertin.

_The exchange highlights the tense verbal duel between the two adversaries._

> “My God!⁠—” It was the most heartrending cry that had ever come from a man’s throat. Chauvelin had jumped to his feet; his two hands, claw-like, as if carved in marble, gripped the arms of his chair; his knees were shaking, his pale eyes stared like those of a maniac, his cheeks were the colour of lead.

Chauvelin cries out in agony upon hearing that his daughter is supposedly dying, revealing his emotional vulnerability.

_This moment exposes Chauvelin's paternal love and his loss of composure._

> “So,” Sir Percy said at last very slowly, “ ’tis you are Citizen Armand, and the sweetest flower that ever bloomed in this putrid atmosphere has its roots in polluted soil?”

Blakeney reveals that he knows Chauvelin is Fleurette's father, Armand, and implies that her innocence is tainted by his revolutionary ties.

_Blakeney's words underscore the theme of innocence and corruption._

## Links

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