The Scarlet Pimpernel · Chapter
XIV: One O'Clock Precisely! explained
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.
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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Marguerite, si…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
Characters to notice
- 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 passages
“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.
