# III explained — The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel

> Chapter companion for The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

The chapter introduces Paul Molé, a destitute man taken in by Marat's cook, Jeannette Maréchal, who becomes Marat's servant. Marat, suffering from a skin disease, trusts Molé and sends him on a secret errand to the Chemin de Pantin to check on a child, giving him a ring as a token. Molé remains impassive throughout.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Marat places trust in Molé, a stranger with a criminal past, for a secret mission, hinting at potential betrayal.

### Class and Aristocracy

Molé's destitution contrasts with Marat's position, highlighting class divisions and the struggle for survival.

## Character check-ins

### Jean Paul Marat

Sick and fretful, Marat hires Paul Molé and sends him on a secret errand to the Chemin de Pantin.

### Paul Molé

A former convict taken in by Marat's cook; he is stolid and obedient, tasked with a secret mission.

### Simonne Evrard

Marat's faithful housekeeper who allows Molé to be taken in; she is mentioned as the one to bring coffee.

### Jeannette Maréchal

Marat's cook who found Molé in the gutter and introduced him into the household.

## Key lines

> Even that bloodthirsty tiger, Jean Paul Marat, has had his apologists.

Even the ruthless Jean Paul Marat has been defended by some.

_Introduces Marat's controversial legacy._

> The man whom Jeannette Maréchal, the cook, introduced into the household of No. 30, Rue des Cordeliers, that worthy woman had literally picked one day out of the gutter where he was grabbing for scraps of food like some wretched starving cur.

The cook Jeannette Maréchal found Paul Molé in the street, scavenging for food like a starving dog, and brought him into Marat's home.

_Describes Molé's desperate circumstances._

> You will have to see a brat and report to me on his condition—his appearance, what? … Talk to him a bit. … See what he says and let me know.

Marat instructs Molé to visit a child, observe his condition, speak with him, and report back.

_Reveals Marat's secretive concern for a child._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_league_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_league_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_league_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters