# XIV: One O'Clock Precisely! explained — The Scarlet Pimpernel

> Chapter companion for The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

At Lord Grenville's ball, Marguerite Blakeney, torn between saving her brother Armand and betraying the Scarlet Pimpernel, reveals to Chauvelin that the mysterious hero will be in the supper-room at one o'clock. Chauvelin lays his trap, unaware that Sir Percy Blakeney, seemingly asleep in the room, is the very man he seeks.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Betrayal

Marguerite's love for her brother Armand forces her to betray the Scarlet Pimpernel, creating a profound moral conflict.

### Secrecy and Trust

The secret identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel is central; Marguerite's trust is broken as she reveals the meeting to Chauvelin.

### Courage and Risk

The Scarlet Pimpernel risks his life by meeting at the appointed time, while Marguerite risks her conscience to save her brother.

## Character check-ins

### Marguerite Blakeney

Torn by the conflict between saving her brother and betraying the Scarlet Pimpernel, she gives Chauvelin the crucial information about the one o'clock meeting.

### Sir Percy Blakeney

Seemingly asleep in the supper-room, he is actually the Scarlet Pimpernel, waiting for the meeting.

### Chauvelin

Receives the information from Marguerite and sets his trap, planning to shadow whoever enters the supper-room at one o'clock.

### Sir Andrew Ffoulkes

Mentioned as having been engaged in conversation by Chauvelin to prevent him from warning the Scarlet Pimpernel.

### Armand St. Just

Marguerite's brother, whose life is the leverage Chauvelin uses to force her cooperation.

### Lord Grenville

Host of the ball where the events take place.

### Lord Fancourt

Cabinet Minister whom Marguerite sends to find Sir Percy.

### Lady Portarles

Engages Sir Andrew Ffoulkes in conversation, preventing him from warning the Scarlet Pimpernel.

## Key lines

> We seek him here, we seek him there, etc.

A doggerel verse sung by Sir Percy, mocking the search for the Scarlet Pimpernel.

_Highlights the playful yet defiant attitude of the hero._

> I start myself tomorrow

The Scarlet Pimpernel plans to depart for France the next day.

_Reveals the hero's imminent action._

> If you wish to speak to me, I shall be in the supper-room at one o'clock precisely.

The Scarlet Pimpernel arranges a meeting in the supper-room at exactly one o'clock.

_Sets the stage for the chapter's climax._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xiv-one-o-clock-precisely
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_scarlet_pimpernel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters