The Elusive Pimpernel · Chapter
For the Poor of Paris explained
Marguerite Blakeney, amidst a social gathering, feels a growing anxiety about her husband Percy's dangerous adventures as the Scarlet Pimpernel.
What happens
Marguerite Blakeney, amidst a social gathering, feels a growing anxiety about her husband Percy's dangerous adventures as the Scarlet Pimpernel. She is drawn to a booth collecting for the starving poor of Paris, where she meets Désirée Candeille, a French actress and ex-colleague. Candeille claims to be raising money for the poor and asks Marguerite to host her in her salon, also requesting that she receive the French government's representative in England. Despite initial mistrust, Marguerite agrees, moved by Candeille's story of persecution and exile.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
Marguerite's initial mistrust of Candeille's theatrical and possibly false philanthropic claims, and the underlying sense of unreality in Candeille's performance.
Sacrifice for the Greater Good
Candeille's professed dedication to raising money for the starving poor of Paris, and Marguerite's willingness to help despite her doubts.
Class and Aristocracy
The contrast between the wealthy English society and the suffering French poor, and Candeille's bitterness about being a mere actress ignored by the aristocratic Scarlet Pimpernel League.
Characters to notice
- Marguerite Blakeney
Anxious about Percy's adventures, she is drawn to the booth and meets Candeille, offering to help her raise money for the Paris poor.
- Sir Percy Blakeney
Briefly converses with Marguerite about his adventures, then halts to speak with Lord Hastings.
- Désirée Candeille
The French actress and ex-colleague of Marguerite, she claims to be raising money for the poor of Paris and seeks Marguerite's patronage.
- Lord Anthony Dewhurst
Accompanies the group and comments on the booth, but Marguerite insists on entering alone.
- Lord Hastings
Arrives and converses with Sir Percy while Marguerite goes into the booth.
Key passages
“Though her heart overflowed with a passionate pride in her husband, she was clever enough to conceal every emotion save that which Nature had insisted on imprinting in her face, her present radiant happiness and her irresistible love.”
Marguerite felt immense pride in Percy but hid all feelings except her visible joy and love.
Highlights Marguerite's loyalty and concealment of her true emotions regarding Percy's dangerous life.
“In her heart she knew full well that within Percy Blakeney’s soul she had a great and powerful rival: his wild, mad, passionate love of adventure.”
Marguerite realized that Percy's love for adventure was a strong competitor for his devotion.
Reveals Marguerite's understanding of Percy's priorities and her own anxiety.
“I had a few engagements at first... but the Aliens’ Bill put an end to my chances of livelihood.”
Candeille initially found work but lost it due to the Aliens' Bill.
Illustrates the legal and economic challenges faced by French refugees in England.