The Scarlet Pimpernel · Chapter
Lord Grenville's Ball explained
At Lord Grenville's grand ball, the Prince of Wales arrives with Sir Percy and Lady Blakeney.
What happens
At Lord Grenville's grand ball, the Prince of Wales arrives with Sir Percy and Lady Blakeney. Chauvelin, the French agent, observes the company. The Comtesse de Tournay and her family are presented, and the Prince introduces them to Marguerite, subtly rebuking the Comtesse's earlier insult. The Scarlet Pimpernel is discussed openly, with the Prince praising him as an English hero, while Chauvelin plots his capture.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and Sacrifice
The Scarlet Pimpernel is celebrated as a heroic figure who risks his life to rescue French aristocrats, inspiring admiration and devotion.
Secrecy and Trust
The identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel is a closely guarded secret, known only to his lieutenants, while Chauvelin seeks to uncover it.
Revolution and Tyranny
Chauvelin's revolutionary fervor and desire to execute aristocrats contrast with the English sympathy for the émigrés.
Characters to notice
- Marguerite Blakeney
Arrives on the Prince's arm, wears a spray of red flowers, and engages in a tense exchange with Chauvelin and the Comtesse.
- Sir Percy Blakeney
Present in extravagant attire, makes a jest about husbands being ignored while ladies worship the Scarlet Pimpernel.
- Chauvelin
Observes the ball with a sarcastic smile, is introduced to the Prince, and inwardly vows to discover and destroy the Scarlet Pimpernel.
- Comtesse de Tournay
Presented to the Prince and Marguerite, maintains frigid dignity despite the public lesson.
- Vicomte de Tournay
Expresses gratitude to the Scarlet Pimpernel before the Prince, prompting a warning to be discreet.
- Suzanne de Tournay
Presented to the Prince as a charming young lady.
- Lord Grenville
Hosts the ball, receives the Prince, and introduces the Comtesse and Chauvelin.
Key passages
“I am happy to know you, Monsieur le Vicomte, ... I knew your father well when he was ambassador in London.”
The Prince of Wales greets the young Vicomte, recalling his acquaintance with the Vicomte's father.
The Prince acknowledges the family's past diplomatic ties.
“Nay, Monseigneur, ... pray do not check this gentleman's display of gratitude; the name of that interesting red flower is well known to me—and to France.”
Chauvelin interrupts the Prince's warning, asserting his familiarity with the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Chauvelin reveals his knowledge and antagonism toward the Pimpernel.
“Faith, then, Monsieur, ... perhaps you know more about our national hero than we do ourselves … perchance you know who he is.”
The Prince challenges Chauvelin to reveal the Scarlet Pimpernel's identity.
The Prince teases Chauvelin, knowing the secret is well guarded.
“Ah, Monsieur Chauvelin, ... His Royal Highness should add that we ladies think of him as of a hero of old … we worship him … we wear his badge … we tremble for him when he is in danger, and exult with him in the hour of his victory.”
Marguerite declares the ladies' adoration for the Scarlet Pimpernel, defying Chauvelin.
Marguerite openly supports the Pimpernel, showing her defiance of Chauvelin.
“And we poor husbands, ... we have to stand by … while they worship a demmed shadow.”
Sir Percy jokingly complains that husbands are ignored while their wives idolize the mysterious hero.
Percy's flippant remark lightens the tense atmosphere.
