The Elusive Pimpernel · Chapter
XII: Time—Place—Conditions explained
In a brilliantly lit English drawing-room, Sir Percy Blakeney and Citizen Chauvelin finalize the terms of their duel.
What happens
In a brilliantly lit English drawing-room, Sir Percy Blakeney and Citizen Chauvelin finalize the terms of their duel. Blakeney presents two antique Toledo swords once owned by the infamous Lorenzo Cenci, allowing Chauvelin to choose. Chauvelin, suspicious of poison, hesitates but eventually selects one. Blakeney names the conditions: the duel will take place on the southern ramparts of Boulogne four days hence, at the hour of the Angelus. Despite Chauvelin's attempts to probe his opponent's mind, Blakeney remains affable and inscrutable, while Chauvelin inwardly resolves to surround the ramparts with republican troops to ensure no escape for the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
Blakeney's foppish manner conceals his true cunning and adventurous spirit, while Chauvelin masks his suspicion and strategic plotting.
Revenge and Hatred
The duel is framed as a means to avenge Mademoiselle Candeille's wounded vanity, but deeper enmity drives both men.
Honor and Dishonor
The ritual of choosing weapons and setting conditions reflects the code of honor, though both parties harbor ulterior motives.
Characters to notice
- Sir Percy Blakeney
Presents the Cenci swords with bonhomie, sets the duel conditions, and maintains his inscrutable, foppish demeanor.
- Citizen Chauvelin
Hesitates over the swords, suspects poison, but accepts the challenge; inwardly plans to surround the ramparts with troops.
- Sir Andrew Ffoulkes
Fetches the pair of swords at Blakeney's request.
- Prince of Wales
Present as a spectator, observes Blakeney with shrewd interest.
Key passages
“Which of those two blades think you is most like to hold after two hundred years the poison of the Cenci?”
Chauvelin insinuates that one of the swords might still carry poison from its infamous former owner.
Reveals Chauvelin's suspicion and his attempt to unsettle Blakeney.
“I might have asked, why the southern ramparts, Sir Percy; why not the western? I chose the fourth day—does it not suit you?”
Chauvelin ironically questions Blakeney's chosen time and place for the duel.
Highlights Chauvelin's strategic mind and his willingness to let Blakeney set the terms.
“The ruling passion strong in death! Yes! Sir Percy would be on the southern ramparts of Boulogne one hour after sunset on the day named, trusting, no doubt, in his usual marvellous good-fortune...”
Chauvelin reflects that Blakeney's love of adventure will ensure he appears for the duel.
Shows Chauvelin's grudging admiration and his certainty that Blakeney will walk into the trap.