The Scarlet Pimpernel · Chapter
The Refugees explained
At the Fisherman's Rest, Lord Antony Dewhurst arrives and prepares to welcome French aristocratic refugees fleeing the Revolution.
What happens
At the Fisherman's Rest, Lord Antony Dewhurst arrives and prepares to welcome French aristocratic refugees fleeing the Revolution. The Comtesse de Tournay, her daughter Suzanne, and the Vicomte de Tournay arrive, along with Sir Andrew Ffoulkes. Tensions arise between the English locals and the French newcomers, while two mysterious strangers quietly observe. The chapter also sets up the impending arrival of Sir Percy and Lady Blakeney.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Hierarchy
The tension between English locals and French aristocrats, and the deference shown to 'the quality' by Jellyband and others.
Secrecy and Trust
Lord Antony's cautious glances at the two strangers and Jellyband's assurance that they are friends highlight the need for secrecy in the rescue network.
Revolution and Tyranny
The backdrop of the French Revolution's violence and the flight of aristocratic refugees underscores the tyranny they flee.
Characters to notice
- Lord Antony Dewhurst
Arrives at the Fisherman's Rest, greets the French refugees, and shows concern about the two strangers.
- Comtesse de Tournay
Arrives as a refugee with her children, stern and commanding, anxious about their new life in England.
- Suzanne de Tournay
Young and innocent, she is shyly attracted to Sir Andrew Ffoulkes and is called to order by her mother.
- Vicomte de Tournay
A beardless youth more interested in English pleasures than the horrors of the Revolution, he ogles Sally.
- Sir Andrew Ffoulkes
Arrives with the refugees, shows romantic interest in Suzanne, and is part of the rescue network.
- Mr. Jellyband
The innkeeper, bustling and loyal, vouches for the two strangers and welcomes the noble guests.
- Miss Sally
Pretty daughter of Jellyband, she is admired by the Vicomte and serves the supper table.
- Mr. Harry Waite
A local man who grows increasingly angry at the Vicomte's attention to Sally, eventually leaving the room.
Key passages
“The execution of the Princesse de Lamballe, Marie Antoinette's young and charming friend, had filled everyone in England with unspeakable horror, the daily execution of scores of royalists of good family, whose only sin was their aristocratic name, seemed to cry for vengeance to the whole of civilised Europe.”
The beheading of the Princesse de Lamballe horrified England, and the ongoing executions of aristocrats simply for being nobles demanded a response from all civilized nations.
Sets the historical context of Revolutionary atrocities.
“Thanks to you, my lord, and to your friends, so I've heard it said,' said Mr. Jellyband. But in a moment Lord Antony's hand fell warningly on mine host's arm. 'Hush!' he said peremptorily, and instinctively once again looked towards the strangers.”
Jellyband hints at Lord Antony's role in rescuing aristocrats, but Lord Antony quickly silences him, wary of the two strangers.
Illustrates the theme of secrecy and the danger of loose talk.