The title "The Refugees" is appropriate because chapter 3 tells a specific example of the Scarlet Pimpernel’s band and their actions to smuggle French aristocrats out of France during the French Revolution to save them from the rage of the French masses and the guillotine. The chapter specifically discusses Lord Antony Dewhurst's entrance into the pub and his announcement that people from France will soon be joining him for supper.

Lord Dewhurst enters the pub, and the conversation immediately turns to the situation in France. Lord Dewhurst tells the innkeeper that “we have got some friends coming here to-night, who at any rate have evaded their clutches.” By this he means that his friends are French and they have evaded the guillotine. They are refugees who have sought refuge in England, where they will be safe from Madame Guillotine.

Lord Dewhurst asks Sally to set five places for supper because “our friends” will be tired and hungry after their long and frightening trip across the English Channel. "Our friends" are the refugees referred to in the title of the chapter.

When the refuges enter the pub, we are given more evidence that they are French aristocrats, and therefore refugees, when the author notes that

Everyone was staring curiously, yet deferentially, at the foreigners.

Among the group are at least two people who have aristocratic titles—the comtesse and the vicomte—which is another factor that makes it clear that they are refugees. After all, it was the French aristocracy that was being killed at this time in their native country and seeking refuge in countries such as England.

It is also clear, moreover, that they are refugees from their language. Although they speak English, they speak with an accent and they also include French words in their speech. For instance, one of the ladies asks, “Ah, Messieurs! what can I say?” In addition, the young Vicomte de Tournay says,“Pardi, if zis is England,” conveying how heavily accented his English is.