The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel · Chapter
The Nest explained
Sir Percy Blakeney and his wife Marguerite enjoy a brief, idyllic reunion at their secret cottage near Dover.
What happens
Sir Percy Blakeney and his wife Marguerite enjoy a brief, idyllic reunion at their secret cottage near Dover. They share intimate moments, recount past adventures—including his disguises as Rateau the coalheaver and the rescue of Bertrand Moncrif from Theresia Cabarrus—and reflect on the dangers of his work. Their peace is shattered when they overhear a man and a woman arguing in French outside, the woman claiming she is safe in England.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
Percy's multiple identities—as the Scarlet Pimpernel, an asthmatic coalheaver, and an English milor—are central to his survival and rescues.
Love and Loyalty
The deep bond between Percy and Marguerite is highlighted through their intimate reunion and shared confidences, set against the backdrop of constant danger.
Heroism and Self-Sacrifice
Percy's daring rescues and his lighthearted recounting of perilous adventures underscore his selfless heroism.
Characters to notice
- Sir Percy Blakeney
Reunites with Marguerite at their secret cottage, recounts his disguises and adventures, and enjoys a brief respite before danger intrudes.
- Marguerite Blakeney
Waits for Percy at the cottage, listens to his stories, and feels a vague dread after the arrival of a strange woman.
- Theresia Cabarrus
Mentioned as the woman from whose clutches Bertrand Moncrif was snatched; Marguerite fears her hatred of Percy.
- Bertrand Moncrif
Referenced in Percy's story of being rescued from Theresia's apartment while Robespierre was nearby.
- Citizen Rateau
Mentioned as the asthmatic coalheaver whom Percy impersonates to confuse his enemies.
- Mother Théot
Referenced in Percy's account of the confusion at her antechamber and the Fraternal Supper.
Key passages
“You should see me as an asthmatic reprobate, m'dear. And hear that cough! Lud love you, but I am mightily proud of that cough! Poor old Rateau does not do it better himself; and he is genuinely asthmatic.”
Percy boasts to Marguerite about his convincing cough when disguised as the asthmatic coalheaver Rateau.
Highlights Percy's skill in disguise and his playful pride in his acting abilities.
“They have become so confused now between Rateau the coalheaver, the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel, and the problematic English milor, that all three of these personalities can appear before their eyes and they will let 'em all escape!”
Percy explains that his multiple identities have so baffled his enemies that they fail to capture any of them.
Illustrates the theme of deception and the cleverness of Percy's strategy.
“How the woman must hate you! There are things that a woman like the Cabarrus will never forgive. Whether she cares for Bertrand Moncrif or no, her vanity will suffer intensely, and she will never forgive you for taking him out of her clutches.”
Marguerite warns Percy that Theresia Cabarrus will harbor a lasting grudge for his rescue of Bertrand Moncrif.
Foreshadows future conflict and underscores the personal vendettas that arise from Percy's actions.
“You cannot harm me now. I am in England!”
A woman's voice is heard declaring her safety from a pursuer because she has reached English soil.
Introduces a new element of tension and suggests a refugee's desperate plea for protection.
