The Scarlet Pimpernel · Chapter
The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel explained
At the Fisherman's Rest, the Comtesse de Tournay, her daughter Suzanne, and the Vicomte de Tournay celebrate their safe arrival in England with Sir Andrew Ffoulkes and Lord Antony Dewhurst.
What happens
At the Fisherman's Rest, the Comtesse de Tournay, her daughter Suzanne, and the Vicomte de Tournay celebrate their safe arrival in England with Sir Andrew Ffoulkes and Lord Antony Dewhurst. The Comtesse expresses anxiety for her husband's safety, and the league's daring rescues are discussed. The Comtesse accuses Marguerite St. Just of denouncing the Marquis de St. Cyr, causing tension just as Sir Percy and Lady Blakeney arrive.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and Sacrifice
The league's members risk their lives to rescue French aristocrats, motivated by a sense of duty and sport.
Class and Social Hierarchy
The Comtesse's aristocratic prejudices surface in her condemnation of Marguerite St. Just's plebeian background.
Secrecy and Trust
The league operates in secret, and the Comtesse's trust in them is tested by her fears for her husband.
Characters to notice
- Sir Andrew Ffoulkes
A member of the league, he reassures the Comtesse and discusses the league's mission.
- Lord Tony Dewhurst
A jovial member of the league, he proposes toasts and engages in conversation.
- Comtesse de Tournay
Recently escaped from France, she is anxious about her husband and bitter toward Marguerite St. Just.
- Suzanne de Tournay
The Comtesse's daughter, she defends Marguerite as a former schoolfriend.
- Vicomte de Tournay
The Comtesse's son, he toasts the English king and laments French treachery.
- Marguerite Blakeney
Mentioned as a former actress and wife of Sir Percy, accused of denouncing the Marquis de St. Cyr.
- Sir Percy Blakeney
Arrives at the inn with his wife; his wealth and social position are noted.
- Mr. Jellyband
The innkeeper, he serves the party and announces the arrival of the Blakeneys.
Key passages
“To His Majesty George Three of England. God bless him for his hospitality to us all, poor exiles from France.”
The Vicomte toasts King George III, thanking England for sheltering French refugees.
Expresses gratitude for asylum.
“Ah, Monsieur, I scarcely dare to hope.”
The Comtesse expresses doubt about her husband's safe arrival.
Reveals her anxiety.
“We were but the hands, Madame la Comtesse...”
Sir Andrew modestly downplays the league's role in rescues.
Shows humility.
“Marguerite St. Just?—Surely...”
Lord Antony reacts with surprise to the Comtesse's accusation against Marguerite.
Indicates tension.
