# V: Marguerite explained — The Scarlet Pimpernel

> Chapter companion for The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

Marguerite Blakeney arrives at the Dover inn and encounters the Comtesse de Tournay and her daughter Suzanne, who are refugees from the French Revolution. The Comtesse publicly snubs Marguerite due to her brother Armand St. Just's republican ties, but Suzanne defies her mother to kiss Marguerite goodbye. Marguerite responds with mimicry and humor, masking her hurt.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Social Hierarchy

The Comtesse's snub of Marguerite reflects the bitter class divisions between the old French aristocracy and the republican families.

### Identity and Disguise

Marguerite's public persona as a carefree society lady contrasts with the underlying tension of her republican family ties.

## Character check-ins

### Marguerite Blakeney

Arrives at the inn, is snubbed by the Comtesse de Tournay, but responds with wit and mimicry.

### Comtesse de Tournay

Refuses to let her daughter speak to Marguerite, citing Marguerite's republican connections.

### Suzanne de Tournay

Defies her mother to kiss Marguerite goodbye, showing sympathy.

### Sir Andrew Ffoulkes

Observes the confrontation with apprehension, later shares a moment of merriment with Marguerite.

### Lord Tony Dewhurst

Attempts to manage the situation and later cheers Marguerite's mimicry.

### Mr. Jellyband

Flustered by the arrival of Lady Blakeney and the ensuing tension.

## Key lines

> Let the poor man be—and give him some supper at my expense.

Marguerite instructs that a blind beggar be left alone and fed at her cost.

_Shows Marguerite's generosity and concern for the less fortunate._

> Suzanne, I forbid you to speak to that woman.

The Comtesse commands her daughter not to interact with Marguerite.

_Highlights the Comtesse's disdain and the social rift._

> Hoity-toity, citizeness, what fly stings you, pray?

Marguerite mockingly asks the Comtesse what has upset her.

_Marguerite's sarcastic retort to the Comtesse's hostility._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/v-marguerite
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_scarlet_pimpernel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters