# XXXIV: The Angelus explained — The Elusive Pimpernel

> Chapter companion for The Elusive Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

Sir Percy Blakeney confronts Chauvelin in the Fort Gayole, revealing that the letter Chauvelin believed was sent to Robespierre was actually a decoy containing the famous 'We seek him here' rhyme. As the Angelus rings and the amnesty is proclaimed, Blakeney overpowers Chauvelin, gags and binds him, and leaves him helpless with the mocking verse.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revenge and Hatred

Chauvelin's hatred and desire for revenge are thwarted; Blakeney's controlled vengeance is shown in his treatment of his enemy.

### Deception and Disguise

Blakeney's feigned drunkenness and the decoy letter exemplify the theme of deception.

### Heroism and Self-Sacrifice

Blakeney's calm, methodical rescue of his wife and his daring confrontation with Chauvelin highlight his heroism.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Percy Blakeney

Reveals the decoy letter, overpowers and gags Chauvelin, and escapes as the Angelus rings.

### Citizen Chauvelin

Realizes he has been tricked, is physically overpowered, gagged, and left bound by Blakeney.

### Marguerite Blakeney

Mentioned as having been in the room where she endured a terrible martyrdom; now freed.

### Abbé Foucquet

Mentioned as having been sitting in the room and later marched off to ring the Angelus.

### Collot d'Herbois

Mentioned as having left with the decoy letter, now well on his way to Paris.

## Key lines

> We seek him here! we seek him there! Those Frenchies seek him everywhere! Is he in heaven? is he in hell? That demmed elusive Pimpernel?

The famous taunting rhyme about the Scarlet Pimpernel, which Blakeney wrote as a decoy letter for Chauvelin to send to Robespierre.

_Blakeney reveals the decoy letter to Chauvelin, mocking his efforts._

> The day and hour, Monsieur, I think, when you and I are to cross swords together; those are the southern ramparts, meseems. Will you precede, sir? and I will follow.

Blakeney calmly invites Chauvelin to a duel on the ramparts, knowing Chauvelin never intended to fight.

_Blakeney's ironic challenge to Chauvelin, showing his control of the situation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_elusive_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-angelus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_elusive_pimpernel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_elusive_pimpernel_se/chapters