# A Nocturne explained — The Laughing Cavalier

> Chapter companion for The Laughing Cavalier by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

Gilda Beresteyn pleads with Diogenes to escort her to Delft to warn the Prince of Orange of an assassination plot. Diogenes insists on knowing her purpose before agreeing, leading to a tense negotiation where Gilda offers increasing sums of money. Diogenes deduces the conspiracy from her reactions but ultimately refuses to escort her without full disclosure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Gilda's willingness to humble herself and pay a fortune to save the Prince of Orange reflects selfless devotion.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Diogenes appears as a mercenary knave but shows unexpected chivalry and moral scruples, while Gilda's proud demeanor masks her desperate plea.

### Conspiracy and Rebellion

The chapter revolves around a plot to assassinate the Prince of Orange, with Gilda holding knowledge of the conspiracy.

## Character check-ins

### Gilda Beresteyn

Pleads with Diogenes to escort her to Delft to warn the Prince of Orange; offers money and reveals her desperation.

### Diogenes

Kneels before Gilda in a moment of chivalry, then resists her pleas and money, insisting on knowing her secret purpose.

### Nicolaes Beresteyn

Mentioned as Gilda's brother, but not present in the chapter.

### Mynheer Ben Isaje

Mentioned as the holder of Gilda's monies; Diogenes recalls the ale he offered.

### Maurice of Nassau

The Prince of Orange, whose life is threatened; Gilda seeks to warn him.

## Key lines

> I must speak with the Prince of Orange, sir. I must go to him to Delft not later than tomorrow.

Gilda urgently requests Diogenes to take her to Delft to meet the Prince of Orange.

_Reveals her primary objective and the time pressure she faces._

> Forty thousand guilders, sir, an you will take me to Delft tomorrow.

Gilda offers Diogenes a huge sum of money for his escort service.

_Highlights her desperation and the value she places on reaching the Prince._

> Assassins are on his track … an attempt will be made against his life … the murderers lie in wait for him … even now … and you, mejuffrouw, who know who those murderers are …

Diogenes deduces that Gilda knows about a plot to assassinate the Prince of Orange.

_Key moment where Diogenes pieces together the conspiracy from Gilda's reactions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xxx-a-nocturne
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters