# XXX: When the Storm Burst explained — The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel

> Chapter companion for The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

During a performance at the theatre, Theresia Cabarrus enjoys a moment of triumph as Robespierre visits her box, fueling her ambitions. However, the evening is shattered when Bertrand Moncrif bursts in with news that Chauvelin and soldiers have raided her lodgings. Despite Tallien's terror, Theresia resolves to confront the outrage, ordering Tallien to stay and appear unconcerned while she rushes to her apartment with Moncrif.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Power

Theresia's visions of grandeur and Robespierre's influence highlight the pursuit of power amid revolutionary chaos.

### Deception and Disguise

Theresia orders Tallien to appear unconcerned in public, masking the crisis behind a facade of calm.

### Fate and Superstition

Theresia recalls Chauvelin's prophecies and Mother Théot's incantations, feeling fate is pushing her toward Robespierre.

## Character check-ins

### Theresia Cabarrus

Dazzling at the theatre, she basks in Robespierre's attention and dreams of power, but is forced to act when her lodgings are raided.

### Citizen Chauvelin

Leads the raid on Theresia's lodgings, chiding the soldiers for being late.

### Bertrand Moncrif

Hatless and mud-stained, he arrives at the theatre to warn Theresia of the perquisition at her home.

### Tallien

Terrified and indecisive, he is ordered by Theresia to stay at the theatre and feign unconcern.

### Robespierre

Visits Theresia's box briefly, fueling her ambitions and public triumph.

### Citizen Rateau

Mentioned as the asthmatic coalheaver accompanying the soldiers during the raid.

## Key lines

> Bring the Scarlet Pimpernel to his knees at the chariot-wheel of Robespierre, and the crown of the Bourbons will be yours for the asking.

If you can defeat the Scarlet Pimpernel and present him to Robespierre, you will be rewarded with the Bourbon crown.

_Chauvelin's tempting prophecy echoes in Theresia's mind as she weighs her ambitions._

> I would make you Queen of France in all but name!

I would make you the de facto queen of France.

_Theresia recalls the Englishman's promise, contrasting his confidence with the indecision of Tallien and Robespierre._

> The greater the height, the dizzier the fall…

The higher you rise, the more dangerous the potential downfall.

_Robespierre's moody remark reveals his awareness of the precariousness of power._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxx-when-the-storm-burst
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters