The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
The King's Secret explained
Louis XIV feigns concern for Mademoiselle de La Vallière while secretly pursuing his own romantic interests.
What happens
Louis XIV feigns concern for Mademoiselle de La Vallière while secretly pursuing his own romantic interests. Saint-Aignan reveals that Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente was one of the three nymphs, and the king seeks to identify the others. The king visits the ailing La Vallière, who is lost in a melancholic reverie, and catches her as she faints. The court quickly spreads rumors of the king's love for La Vallière, reaching Madame and Monsieur, who discuss the implications for Raoul de Bragelonne.
Themes in this chapter
Court Intrigue and Deception
The king feigns concern for La Vallière while pursuing his own agenda, and Saint-Aignan spreads the story, leading to widespread court gossip.
Love and Sacrifice
La Vallière's fainting and the king's reaction hint at a burgeoning romantic attachment, while Raoul de Bragelonne's prior engagement is sacrificed.
Friendship and Betrayal
Saint-Aignan betrays the king's confidence by spreading the story, and Madame's reaction suggests a sense of betrayal.
Characters to notice
- Louis XIV
Feigns concern for La Vallière while secretly pursuing his own romantic interests; catches La Vallière as she faints.
- De Wardes
Saint-Aignan, the king's confidant, who reveals Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente's identity and spreads the story.
- Louise de La Vallière
The ailing young woman who faints into the king's arms, sparking court gossip about the king's affection.
- Athenaïs
Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente, identified by Saint-Aignan as one of the three nymphs.
- Henrietta of England
Madame, who learns of the king's supposed love for La Vallière and reacts with suppressed anger.
- Philippe d'Orléans
Monsieur, who triumphantly informs Madame of the king's new passion.
- Raoul de Bragelonne
Mentioned as La Vallière's former fiancé, whose marriage permission was refused by the king.
- Anne of Austria
The queen mother, who informs the young queen and Monsieur about the king's rumored love.
Key passages
“Well, Saint-Aignan,” he inquired, with affected interest, “how is the invalid.””
The king asked Saint-Aignan with feigned concern about the sick girl.
The king's affected interest shows his deceptive nature.
“I saw what ten other people saw at the same time as myself; I saw that when La Vallière fell into his arms, the king almost fainted himself.””
Saint-Aignan claims that the king nearly fainted when La Vallière collapsed into his arms.
This report fuels the court's belief in the king's love.
“The poor king forgot that, only an hour before, he had given him a similar recommendation, but with the very opposite intention; namely, that the comte should be indiscreet.”
The king forgot that earlier he had told Saint-Aignan to be indiscreet, but now he wanted secrecy.
The king's contradictory instructions highlight his confusion and the rapid spread of gossip.
