Chapter Twelve Summary

It is the day of False Spring as Chapter Twelve opens. Sunny goes about preparing a special meal and is surprised to see that Count Olaf has dressed for the occasion, even washing his face. Esme Squalor comes from her tent dressed in an elaborate red dress with high black plumes that is meant to look like a fire. They talk excitedly about their plans, which include springing some kind of trap. Count Olaf also slips and says he cannot wait to see the Hotel Denouement go up in flames. Sunny withholds a gasp when she hears him say this, realizing the Hotel Denouement must be the last sanctuary of the volunteers.

Esme Squalor complains that she does not have any more of the fashionable green cigarettes and one of the white-faced ladies points out that there is a good deal...