# How Malicorne Had Been Turned Out of the Hotel of the Beau Paon explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

Malicorne confronts Montalais about his neglected presence at Fontainebleau, and they discuss the court's romantic intrigues: the king's love for Madame and La Vallière, Monsieur's jealousy, and the secret understanding between the king and Madame. Montalais reveals that La Vallière's innocent remark about the king was overheard, sealing her fate. They form an alliance to advance their own interests, but Malicorne is later evicted from his inn by a mysterious Franciscan monk. Saint-Aignan appears and offers him lodging, having overheard their conversation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Court Intrigue and Deception

Malicorne and Montalais form a secret alliance to navigate the court's romantic and political machinations, while Saint-Aignan eavesdrops and uses the information to his advantage.

### Friendship and Betrayal

The potential betrayal of Raoul de Bragelonne by La Vallière is discussed, and Malicorne considers informing him, highlighting the fragility of trust.

## Character check-ins

### Malicorne

Confronts Montalais about his neglect, forms a self-interested alliance with her, and is evicted from his inn by a Franciscan monk.

### Mademoiselle de Montalais

Engages in a tense conversation with Malicorne, reveals court secrets about the king and Madame, and agrees to an alliance.

### Louis XIV

Mentioned as being in love with both Madame and La Vallière, and as overhearing La Vallière's remark.

### Louise de La Vallière

Revealed to be the screen for the king and Madame's affair; her innocent remark about the king was overheard.

### Raoul de Bragelonne

Mentioned as La Vallière's lover who would be devastated by her betrayal.

### De Guiche

Mentioned as being in love with Madame and now 'completely turned off.'

## Key lines

> Among all these loves, a noodle would make his fortune: a greater reason, therefore, for sensible people like ourselves to do so.

Given all these romantic entanglements, even a fool could succeed, so we clever people should certainly take advantage.

_Malicorne argues that the court's romantic chaos presents an opportunity for those who are shrewd._

> I cannot conceive that when one has once seen the king, one can ever love another man.

I cannot imagine loving anyone else after seeing the king.

_La Vallière's innocent remark, overheard by the king, reveals her true feelings and seals her fate._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/125-how-malicorne-had-been-turned-out-of-the-hotel-of-the-beau-paon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters