The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel · Chapter
The Close of the Second Day explained
During a violent storm, Chauvelin waits in a disused storage room and is confronted by the coalheaver Rateau, who claims to have seen Theresia Cabarrus with the English spy.
What happens
During a violent storm, Chauvelin waits in a disused storage room and is confronted by the coalheaver Rateau, who claims to have seen Theresia Cabarrus with the English spy. Chauvelin, paranoid and distrustful, orders Rateau to fetch the Commissary to raid Theresia's lodgings. He then reminds Captain Boyer of the order to shoot Marguerite Blakeney if the Scarlet Pimpernel is not captured by the fourth day.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
Rateau's accusation and the search for the Englishman's disguises highlight the theme of hidden identities and betrayal.
Ambition and Power
Chauvelin's obsessive pursuit of the Scarlet Pimpernel and his manipulation of Rateau reflect his ruthless ambition and desire for control.
Characters to notice
- Citizen Chauvelin
Paranoid and nerve-wracked, he paces the storage room, distrusts everyone, and orders a raid on Theresia's lodgings based on Rateau's accusation.
- Citizen Rateau
The asthmatic coalheaver, branded with an 'M', reports seeing Theresia with the Englishman and offers to show evidence of the spy's disguises at her lodgings.
- Theresia Cabarrus
Accused by Rateau of being in league with the Englishman; Chauvelin orders a search of her lodgings.
- Marguerite Blakeney
Imprisoned in the Rue de la Planchette, she overhears Chauvelin's order to shoot her if the spy is not caught by the fourth day.
- Captain Boyer
In charge of the prisoner; confirms the order to execute Marguerite if the Scarlet Pimpernel is not captured by the fourth evening.
Key passages
“He trusted no one—not Mother Théot, not the men upstairs, not Theresia: least of all Theresia.”
Chauvelin was suspicious of everyone, especially Theresia.
Illustrates Chauvelin's paranoia and isolation.
“unless the English spy is in our hands on the evening of the fourth day, to shoot your prisoner.”
If the Scarlet Pimpernel isn't caught by the fourth day, execute Marguerite.
Sets the ultimatum driving the plot tension.