# The Orderly Clerk explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

> Chapter companion for The Vicomte de Bragelonne by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

The king, after a conversation with Saint-Aignan about Louise de La Vallière, reflects on his feelings and the court gossip. Later, Fouquet meets with the king and subtly undermines Colbert by praising him as an 'orderly clerk,' causing the king to reconsider the quality of his recent festivities.

## Themes in this chapter

### Court Intrigue and Deception

Fouquet's subtle praise of Colbert as an 'orderly clerk' is a masterful piece of courtly deception, undermining his rival while appearing gracious.

### Power and Ambition

The king's growing awareness of the political maneuvering between Fouquet and Colbert reflects the struggle for influence and control over the royal treasury.

### Love and Sacrifice

The king's inquiries about Louise de La Vallière and his hidden feelings for her highlight the personal sacrifices and complications of royal love.

## Character check-ins

### Louis XIV

The king reflects on his feelings for Louise de La Vallière and listens to Saint-Aignan's gossip, then later receives Fouquet and is influenced by his tactful criticism of Colbert.

### De Guiche

Mentioned in the context of court gossip about his love for Madame.

### Louise de La Vallière

Subject of the king's inquiries and Saint-Aignan's gossip; her background and rumored betrothal are discussed.

### Nicolas Fouquet

Visits the king late at night, tactfully praises Colbert as a 'clerk,' and leaves the king uneasy about the quality of his fêtes.

### Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Praised by Fouquet as an 'orderly clerk,' but the praise subtly undermines his reputation for magnificence.

### Raoul de Bragelonne

Mentioned as the betrothed of Louise de La Vallière, though the king avoids confirming the name.

## Key lines

> The king, anxious to be again quite alone, in order to reflect well upon what was passing in his heart, had withdrawn to his own apartments, where M. de Saint-Aignan had, after his conversation with Madame, gone to meet him.

The king sought solitude to ponder his feelings, but Saint-Aignan joined him after speaking with Madame.

_The king's desire for introspection is interrupted by the courtier's gossip._

> I do not know throughout France a better clerk than M. Colbert.

Fouquet praises Colbert as the best clerk in France, subtly belittling his role.

_Fouquet's double-edged compliment undermines Colbert's status while appearing generous._

> The word 'orderly' was a proper accompaniment for the word 'clerk.'

Fouquet's description of Colbert as 'orderly' reinforces the idea of him as a mere functionary.

_The king perceives the insult hidden in Fouquet's praise._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/122-the-orderly-clerk
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters