The Room in the Dragon Volant · Chapter
II: The Innyard of the Belle Étoile explained
The narrator, captivated by the beautiful Countess, attempts to learn more about her and the Count de St.
What happens
The narrator, captivated by the beautiful Countess, attempts to learn more about her and the Count de St. Alyre after their carriage accident. He tries to rent their rooms at the Belle Étoile inn but is refused, then questions a servant about the couple, learning only that they are the Count and Countess. He sends his own servant, St. Clair, to gather more information by befriending the Count's valet.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Obsession
The narrator's immediate infatuation with the Countess drives him to investigate her identity and circumstances, setting the stage for an obsessive pursuit.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The Countess's cold demeanor shifts to warmth, and the narrator's assumptions about the couple are clouded by mystery and hidden motives.
Innocence and Exploitation
The Countess appears vulnerable and possibly under the control of the Count, hinting at exploitation beneath the surface of aristocratic life.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Falls in love at first sight with the Countess; attempts to investigate the mysterious couple; sends his servant St. Clair to gather information.
- Countess de St. Alyre
The beautiful young woman who thanks the narrator again for his assistance; appears nervous and glances toward a second door as if fearing someone.
- Count de St. Alyre
The elderly gentleman with a black wig and reedy voice; the Countess's husband or guardian; his voice is heard approaching during the narrator's conversation with the Countess.
- St. Clair
The narrator's French servant; sent to befriend the Count's valet and gather information about the mysterious couple.
- Marquis d'Harmonville
Mentioned indirectly as the narrator observes the shield on the carriage door, which features a red stork; the servant declines to identify the family.
Key passages
“The face was, indeed, one to fall in love with at first sight.”
The narrator is instantly smitten by the Countess's beauty.
Establishes the narrator's immediate romantic obsession.
“Monsieur cannot be aware that this apartment is not public.”
The Countess coldly informs the narrator he is in a private room.
Shows the Countess's initial reserve and the social boundaries of the time.
“I am happy, however, to have an opportunity of again thanking Monsieur for the assistance, so prompt and effectual, which he had the goodness to render us today.”
The Countess softens and thanks the narrator again for helping after the carriage accident.
Reveals her gratitude and a shift in tone, encouraging the narrator.
“I began to feel that I was all but engaged in an adventure.”
The narrator senses he is becoming involved in a mysterious situation.
Foreshadows the unfolding intrigue and danger.
“Monsieur is at liberty to conjecture.”
The servant sarcastically tells the narrator he can guess about the family crest.
Highlights the secrecy surrounding the Count and Countess.
