The Scarlet Pimpernel, written by Baroness Orczy, is a historical novel set during the French Revolution. The Scarlet Pimpernel is a mysterious Englishman who helps many aristocrats flee from France. "The Accredited Agent" from France, Chauvelin, is out to seek the identity of the elusive Pimpernel. Some readers think Chauvelin knows the Scarlet Pimpernel's identity early in the novel; however, there is evidence that he does not.

When Chauvelin is sent from France as "The Accredited Agent," he is trying to find out who the mysterious Pimpernel is. Chauvelin is "sent over here by the Republican Government as its representative" and "is to find out all about this League of the Scarlet Pimpernel" (Orczy 66). This league is "headed by a man whose brain seems as resourceful as his identity is mysterious" (67). Chauvelin meets Marguerite, the wife of Sir Percy, and asks her...