Triumph explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Revolution and Terror

  The Committee's ferocity and willingness to use mass pardons as a temporary measure, alongside the deployment of Collot d'Herbois, highlight the ruthless machinery of the Terror.

• Sacrifice for the Greater Good

  Chauvelin anticipates possible assassination but is willing to sacrifice his life for the capture of the Scarlet Pimpernel, framing his actions as duty to the Republic.

• Deception and Disguise

  The entire plot hinges on luring the Scarlet Pimpernel to Boulogne through a carefully laid trap, with the amnesty proclamation serving as a deceptive inducement.

Characters to notice

• Robespierre

  Leads the Committee of Public Safety, reads Chauvelin's letters, and signs the amnesty proclamation.

• Citizen Chauvelin

  Sends two letters to Paris: the first guarantees the Pimpernel's capture; the second announces the capture of the Pimpernel's wife and requests reinforcements.

• Collot d'Herbois

  Dispatched to Boulogne with full powers and the amnesty proclamation; rides furiously to arrive within twenty-four hours.

• Danton

  Comments skeptically on Chauvelin's assertion during the Committee's deliberations.

• Merlin

  Sneers at Chauvelin's aristocratic dating of the letter.

• Marguerite Blakeney

  Identified as 'the woman—his wife' captured by Chauvelin, prompting his urgent second letter.

• Sir Percy Blakeney

  The Scarlet Pimpernel, whose imminent capture is the subject of the Committee's plans and rejoicing.

Key passages

• “The Moniteur tells us that in the Séance of September 22nd, 1793, or Vendemiaire 1st of the Year I it was decreed that sixty prisoners, not absolutely proved guilty of treason against the Republic⁠—only suspected⁠—were to be set free.”

  The official record states that on September 22, 1793, the Committee ordered the release of sixty prisoners who were merely suspected, not proven guilty.

  Highlights the Committee's calculated magnanimity as a response to the anticipated capture.

• “I guarantee to you, Citizen Robespierre, and to the Members of the Revolutionary Government who have entrusted me with the delicate mission … that four days from this date, at one hour after sunset, the man who goes by the mysterious name of the Scarlet Pimpernel will be on the southern ramparts of Boulogne.”

  Chauvelin promises Robespierre and the Committee that within four days, at sunset, the Scarlet Pimpernel will appear at the southern ramparts of Boulogne.

  Chauvelin's categorical guarantee sets the stage for the trap and the Committee's subsequent actions.

• “We have caught the woman⁠—his wife⁠—there may be murder attempted against my person, send me someone at once who will carry out my instructions in case of my sudden death.”

  Chauvelin announces the capture of the Pimpernel's wife and warns that an assassination attempt may be made against him, requesting a replacement to execute his plan if he dies.

  This urgent second letter reveals Chauvelin's fear of retaliation and his determination to see the plot through.

• “A general amnesty for all prisoners the day the Scarlet Pimpernel is captured. A public holiday and a pardon for all natives of Boulogne who are under sentence of death: they shall be allowed to find their way to the various English boats.”

  The Committee proclaims a full amnesty for all prisoners and a public holiday in Boulogne on the day of the Pimpernel's capture, with death sentences commuted to exile on English ships.

  The amnesty is a strategic inducement to secure local cooperation in the trap.