# After Supper explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

After supper, King Louis XIV receives verses from Louise de La Vallière and is delighted. He then learns from Saint-Aignan about the Comte de Guiche's mysterious wounding, which may have resulted from a duel. The king sends d'Artagnan to investigate the scene and orders his physician to examine de Guiche, while also summoning Manicamp for questioning.

## Themes in this chapter

### Court Intrigue and Deception

Saint-Aignan's evasive answers and the mysterious circumstances of de Guiche's wounding suggest hidden conflicts and courtly manipulation.

### Friendship and Betrayal

The king's suspicion that not everyone is a friend of de Guiche hints at potential betrayal among courtiers.

## Character check-ins

### Louis XIV

The king receives verses from La Vallière, questions Saint-Aignan about de Guiche's wound, and dispatches d'Artagnan and his physician to investigate.

### De Guiche

Reported to have been wounded with a shattered hand and a hole in his breast; the circumstances are suspicious.

### D'Artagnan

Ordered by the king to investigate the scene of de Guiche's wounding at the Rond-point du Bois-Rochin.

### Porthos

Present at the supper; the king addresses him with pleasure and he retires bowing.

### Manicamp

Mentioned as having brought de Guiche back and as knowing details of the incident; the king summons him.

### Saint-Aignan

Delivers La Vallière's verses to the king and relays news of de Guiche's wounding, prompting the king's investigation.

## Key lines

> The king took Saint-Aignan by the arm, and passed into the adjoining apartment.

The king led Saint-Aignan aside into another room.

_The king seeks private conversation with his confidant._

> I was bringing the answer, sire. She has taken a long time to reply to what I wrote her.

Saint-Aignan explains that he was delayed because La Vallière took time to respond to the king's letter.

_The exchange of verses between the king and La Vallière is a key romantic plot point._

> M. du Vallon, I have seen you today with the greatest pleasure, and my pleasure will be equally great to see you again.

The king expresses his delight in meeting Porthos and promises to welcome him again.

_Louis XIV shows favor to Porthos, a former musketeer._

> I believe I have heard something said about a quarrel between two gentlemen.

Saint-Aignan hints that de Guiche's wound may have come from a duel.

_The king's anti-duelling edicts are challenged by this rumor._

> You will go there, and will examine the locality very carefully. A man has been wounded there, and you will find a horse lying dead.

The king orders d'Artagnan to inspect the scene of the incident and report his findings.

_D'Artagnan is tasked with uncovering the truth about de Guiche's injury._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/155-after-supper
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters