# A Mission explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

Raoul de Bragelonne is sent by the king on a mission to England, bearing letters for King Charles II and a letter from Madame to her brother. Before departing, he meets Louise de La Vallière and Montalais in the gardens, expressing a deep, foreboding sadness despite the honor. Louise is visibly distressed, and Montalais tries to comfort her. After Raoul leaves, Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente joins them to discuss Madame's desires regarding the previous day's events.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Raoul's departure for England, despite his deep love for Louise, highlights the theme of personal sacrifice for duty and honor.

### Court Intrigue and Deception

The secretive meeting of the maids of honor and the discussion of Madame's desires underscore the pervasive intrigue and hidden agendas at court.

## Character check-ins

### Raoul de Bragelonne

Departs for England on a royal mission; expresses melancholy and foreboding despite the honor.

### Louise de La Vallière

Deeply distressed by Raoul's departure; struggles with guilt and emotion.

### Mademoiselle de Montalais

Acts as a confidante and scout; tries to comfort Louise and later discusses Madame's plans.

### Athenaïs

Joins the conversation after Raoul leaves; speaks diplomatically about Madame's desires.

### Louis XIV

Orders Raoul to carry letters to King Charles II of England.

### Henrietta of England

Writes a letter for her brother, King Charles II, to be delivered by Raoul.

## Key lines

> It is strange... I have often left you when setting off on adventures fraught with danger. Then I started joyously enough—my heart free, my mind intoxicated by thoughts of happiness in store for me, hopes of which the future was full; and yet I was about to face the Spanish cannon, or the halberds of the Walloons. Today, without the existence of any danger or uneasiness, and by the sunniest path in the world, I am going in search of a glorious recompense... Yet, Louise, in very truth I know not how or why, but this happiness and this future seem to vanish before my very eyes like mist—like an idle dream; and I feel here, here at the very bottom of my heart, a deep-seated grief, a dejection I cannot overcome—something heavy, passionless, deathlike—resembling a corpse.

Raoul tells Louise that in the past he left joyfully for dangerous missions, but now, on a safe and honorable journey, he feels a deep, inexplicable sadness and a sense that his happiness is fading like a dream.

_Raoul's premonition of sorrow contrasts with the apparent honor of his mission, foreshadowing tragedy._

> I cannot part from you, carrying away with me a thought that tortures me; absurd I know it to be, and yet one which rends my very heart.

Raoul confesses that he cannot leave without sharing a troubling thought that, though irrational, causes him great pain.

_His confession reveals his inner turmoil and deep emotional attachment to Louise._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/129-a-mission
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters