# M. Malicorne the Keeper of the Records of France explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

Two masked women, one of whom is Madame Henrietta, visit the wounded Comte de Guiche. Madame reveals herself and kisses his hand, then flees. Montalais, the other woman, keeps Madame's blood-stained mask as a keepsake and writes a report to Malicorne.

## Themes in this chapter

### Court Intrigue and Deception

Madame's secret visit, the use of masks, and Montalais's covert letter all exemplify the deceptions of court life.

### Love and Sacrifice

Madame risks scandal to visit the wounded de Guiche, and her tears and kiss reveal deep affection.

## Character check-ins

### De Guiche

Lying wounded in bed, feverish and delirious, visited by Madame Henrietta.

### Henrietta of England

Visits de Guiche in disguise, removes her mask, kisses his hand, and leaves in distress.

### Mademoiselle de Montalais

Accompanies Madame, writes a letter to Malicorne, and keeps the blood-stained mask as a memento.

### Manicamp

Leads the two women to de Guiche's room and then withdraws.

### Malicorne

Referenced as the intended recipient of Montalais's letter and as the future keeper of records.

## Key lines

> Beautiful mask, stained with the blood of that brave knight, you shall go and join that collection of wonders, La Vallière’s and Raoul’s letters, that loving collection, indeed, which will some day or other form part of the history of France, of European royalty.

Montalais decides to keep the blood-stained mask as a treasured artifact, alongside the letters of La Vallière and Raoul, foreseeing its historical significance.

_Montalais's playful yet ambitious plan to preserve court memorabilia._

> This evening Madame has been to see M. de Guiche. Everything is going well on this side. See that your news is equally exemplary, and do not forget to burn this paper.

Montalais writes a brief report to Malicorne informing him of Madame's visit and instructing him to destroy the note after reading.

_A secret communication between Montalais and Malicorne about court events._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/161-m-malicorne-the-keeper-of-the-records-of-france
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
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