# Wherein d’Artagnan Perceives That It Was He Who Was Mistaken, and Manicamp Who Was Right explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

King Louis XIV interrogates Manicamp about the quarrel involving de Guiche and the insult to Mademoiselle de La Vallière. Manicamp skillfully deflects the king's questions, hinting that La Vallière's protector is too exalted to defend her himself, which flatters Louis. The king forgives Manicamp and instructs him to spread a cover story about a wild boar hunt to conceal the duel. D'Artagnan, Saint-Aignan, and Valot are brought in, and the king chides d'Artagnan for his earlier mistaken report of a duel, which d'Artagnan humorously accepts. The king then privately learns from Saint-Aignan that de Guiche's adversary was de Wardes, and resolves to forgive but not forget.

## Themes in this chapter

### Court Intrigue and Deception

Manicamp's clever deflection and the king's orchestration of a cover story demonstrate the deceptive nature of court life.

### Honor and Loyalty

De Guiche's defense of La Vallière's honor and Manicamp's loyalty to his friend underscore the theme of honor.

## Character check-ins

### Louis XIV

Interrogates Manicamp, shows favor, and orchestrates a cover-up of the duel.

### Manicamp

Skillfully navigates the king's questions, hints at La Vallière's high protector, and is forgiven.

### D'Artagnan

Humorously admits his error about the duel and plays along with the king's cover story.

### Louise de La Vallière

Mentioned as the maid of honor who was insulted, sparking the quarrel.

### De Guiche

Referenced as the defender of La Vallière's honor who fought a duel.

### De Wardes

Revealed as de Guiche's adversary in the duel.

## Key lines

> The king, determined to be satisfied that no one was listening, went himself to the door, and then returned precipitately and placed himself opposite Manicamp.

The king checked that no one was eavesdropping before confronting Manicamp.

_Highlights the king's caution and the secretive nature of the conversation._

> I do not say precisely that she was insulted, sire. I merely say that she was spoken of in terms far enough from respectful.

Manicamp carefully avoids directly accusing anyone of insulting La Vallière.

_Shows Manicamp's diplomatic skill in navigating the king's questions._

> Well, my dear doctor, you have dreamt it. M. de Guiche’s wound—a mere dream; the bullet, a dream. So, take my advice, and prate no more about it.

D'Artagnan tells Valot to forget the real wound and accept the cover story.

_Illustrates the enforced narrative and d'Artagnan's complicity in the deception._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/159-wherein-d-artagnan-perceives-that-it-was-he-who-was-mistaken-and-manicamp-who-was-right
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters