The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
Montalais and Malicorne explained
Montalais observes the agitated state of Madame and de Guiche after their interrupted meeting.
What happens
Montalais observes the agitated state of Madame and de Guiche after their interrupted meeting. She and Malicorne discuss the multiple court intrigues involving the king, Madame, La Vallière, and de Guiche, and they form an alliance to manage the intrigues and letters. Malicorne reveals he has intercepted Raoul's letters to Louise, and de Guiche receives a letter from Raoul expressing suspicions about de Wardes and asking him to watch over Louise.
Themes in this chapter
Court Intrigue and Deception
Montalais and Malicorne actively plan to manage and exploit multiple romantic intrigues at court, intercepting letters and forming alliances.
Friendship and Betrayal
Raoul trusts de Guiche to watch over Louise, while de Guiche's own romantic entanglements and Malicorne's interception of letters suggest potential betrayal.
Love and Sacrifice
Raoul's letter shows his deep love for Louise and his willingness to sacrifice his own peace for her safety, asking de Guiche to protect her.
Characters to notice
- Mademoiselle de Montalais
Observes Madame and de Guiche's agitation; conspires with Malicorne to manage court intrigues.
- Malicorne
Discusses intrigues with Montalais; reveals he has intercepted Raoul's letters to Louise; meets with de Guiche.
- Henrietta of England
Agitated after de Guiche's abrupt departure; locks herself in her bedroom.
- De Guiche
Flees Madame's presence in agitation; receives a letter from Raoul; summons Malicorne for information.
- Raoul de Bragelonne
Sends a letter to de Guiche expressing suspicions about de Wardes and asking him to watch over Louise.
- Louise de La Vallière
Mentioned as the object of the king's interest and Raoul's affection; her letters have been intercepted by Montalais.
- Louis XIV
Attempted to see La Vallière but found her door locked; mentioned as a jealous and powerful figure in the intrigues.
- De Wardes
Mentioned in Raoul's letter as having made strange hints; expected to return to court.
Key passages
“Montalais was at no loss, therefore, to perceive the agitation of the two lovers—the one who fled was agitated, and the one who remained was equally so.”
Montalais easily noticed that both de Guiche and Madame were extremely upset.
Montalais's observation confirms the romantic tension between de Guiche and Madame.
“I was born to live at the court, as the salamander is made to live in the fire.”
Montalais declares that she is naturally suited to the dangerous and intense environment of the court.
Montalais's metaphor reflects her confidence in navigating court intrigues.
“Burn this letter, which Olivain will hand you. Whatever Olivain says, you may confidently rely on.”
Raoul instructs de Guiche to destroy the letter and trust the messenger Olivain.
Raoul's caution shows the secrecy and danger surrounding the court's affairs.
