# Watch-Night explained — The Laughing Cavalier

> Chapter companion for The Laughing Cavalier by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

During a watch-night service in the cathedral, Gilda Beresteyn is distracted by her indignation toward Diogenes, who refused her condescending offer of help. Meanwhile, a group of conspirators led by Stoutenburg and Nicolaes Beresteyn plot the assassination of the Stadtholder, Maurice of Nassau. Their discussion of revenge and the planned coup is overheard by an unseen listener, who is revealed to be a woman emerging from the shadows.

## Themes in this chapter

### Conspiracy and Rebellion

Stoutenburg and his followers, including Nicolaes Beresteyn, plot the assassination of Maurice of Nassau in revenge for Barneveld's execution.

### Love and Sacrifice

Gilda's internal conflict between Christian charity and her personal indignation toward Diogenes reflects themes of love and sacrifice.

### Appearance vs. Reality

The pious watch-night service contrasts with the violent conspiracy unfolding in the shadows of the cathedral.

## Character check-ins

### Gilda Beresteyn

Attends the watch-night service but is preoccupied with anger toward Diogenes for his insolent refusal of her help.

### Diogenes

Mentioned in Gilda's thoughts as the knavish malapert who imprinted a kiss on her hand and then refused her offer.

### Stoutenburg

Central figure in the conspiracy, he passionately vows to kill the Stadtholder with his own hand to avenge his father John of Barneveld.

### Nicolaes Beresteyn

Participates in the conspiracy, expressing bitterness toward his father's loyalty to the Stadtholder and pledging loyalty to Stoutenburg.

### Maria

Gilda's attendant, instructed to wait outside the church with the men.

## Key lines

> The greatest of these is charity.

The preacher's text emphasizes that charity is the highest virtue.

_The sermon contrasts with Gilda's uncharitable thoughts toward Diogenes._

> I will kill the Stadtholder with mine own hand!

Stoutenburg declares his personal intention to assassinate Maurice of Nassau.

_This bold statement is overheard, leading to the discovery of the eavesdropper._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/iv-watch-night
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters