# II explained — Suspense

> Chapter companion for Suspense by Joseph Conrad.

## What happens

This chapter shifts focus to the D'Armand family's life in exile in London, detailing the daily routines and observations of their servants, Bernard and Aglae. It reveals the Marquise's declining health, the Marquis's reduced circumstances, and the family's poverty. The servants discuss Napoleon, with Bernard dismissing him as insignificant, while Aglae worries about practical matters. The chapter also reflects on Sir Charles Latham's past connection to the family and his support for their royalist cause, as well as the broader historical context of exiled French nobility.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Displacement

The D'Armands, once part of the French aristocracy, now live as penniless exiles in London, their identities reshaped by displacement and loss.

### Social Class and Upward Mobility

The contrast between the servants' practical concerns and the nobles' faded grandeur highlights class dynamics in exile.

### Political Intrigue and the Napoleonic Era

The Marquis's past missions for the exiled Princes and the servants' discussion of Napoleon reflect the political turmoil of the era.

## Character check-ins

### Bernard

The faithful factotum, in love with Aglae, who serves the D'Armand family in London, performing domestic duties and engaging in whispered conversations with Aglae.

### Aglae

The black maid, shrewd and practical, who shares observations with Bernard and worries about the family's finances.

### Monsieur le Marquis

The Marquis d'Armand, now leading a domestic and sedentary life in London, having given up his mysterious missions for the exiled royal family.

### Adèle

The young Adèle d'Armand, described as 'white and fair', who goes out visiting with Aglae, and is noted as ready to marry but the family is poor.

### Sir Charles Latham

The English baronet who previously hosted the D'Armands at Latham Hall and continues to support them, remembered for his wisdom and calm belief in the future.

### Countess de Montevesso

Mentioned as the Marquise d'Armand, whose health is declining and who is cared for in London.

## Key lines

> Shall I tell you the truth about him, Miss Aglae? ... he is of no account.

Bernard dismisses Napoleon as insignificant, despite his power.

_Bernard's skepticism about Napoleon's greatness._

> Love! What sort of trash you talk? Love don't buy fish for dinner.

Aglae scoffs at Bernard's romantic notions, emphasizing practical needs.

_Aglae's pragmatic view of love versus survival._

> He seems to get him paw on the whole world, anyhow. What sort of a fellow is he, Bernard? You have seen him.

Aglae marvels at Napoleon's global influence and asks Bernard about his appearance.

_Aglae's curiosity about Napoleon._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/suspense_se/chapters/part-i-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/suspense_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/suspense_se/chapters