The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
Which Treats of Gardeners, of Ladders, and Maids of Honor explained
The king's attempts to see La Vallière are thwarted by Madame's strict surveillance and the rearrangement of the maids of honor's quarters.
What happens
The king's attempts to see La Vallière are thwarted by Madame's strict surveillance and the rearrangement of the maids of honor's quarters. Malicorne devises a scheme using a ladder to enable the king to reach La Vallière's window, but the plan is foiled when a patrol of Swiss guards arrests Malicorne. Later, Malicorne and Montalais plot to have Montalais expelled from Madame's rooms so that La Vallière will be moved to a more accessible location.
Themes in this chapter
Court Intrigue and Deception
The chapter revolves around elaborate schemes—the ladder plot and the plan to get Montalais expelled—to circumvent Madame's surveillance and enable the king's secret meetings.
Love and Sacrifice
The king's persistent efforts to reach La Vallière, despite obstacles and risks, highlight the lengths to which love drives him.
Characters to notice
- Louis XIV
Frustrated by Madame's restrictions, he attempts to use a ladder to reach La Vallière but is forced to flee when guards appear.
- Louise de La Vallière
The object of the king's affections; she is confined to Madame's cabinet and later seen opening her window.
- Mademoiselle de Montalais
La Vallière's friend and ally; she conspires with Malicorne to get herself expelled from Madame's rooms to facilitate the king's visits.
- Malicorne
The cunning inventor of the ladder scheme; he is arrested by the Swiss guards but later devises a new plan with Montalais.
- Manicamp
Malicorne's companion during the garden conversation; he is absent-minded and used as a foil for Malicorne's hints.
- Henrietta of England
Madame; she maintains strict surveillance over her maids of honor, preventing the king from seeing La Vallière.
Key passages
“Miracles, unfortunately, could not be always happening, whilst Madame’s ill-humor still continued.”
The extraordinary luck that had favored the king before could not last, as Madame remained in a bad mood.
Sets the tone for the chapter's obstacles.
“There was not the slightest chance of means of paying a nocturnal visit; for in this respect the king had, on the very first occasion, experienced a severe check...”
The king had no opportunity for a night visit, as his first attempt had been thwarted.
Explains the king's frustration and the need for new schemes.
“Malicorne had, indeed, occasional brilliant flashes of imagination, with which he tried to inspire the king with confidence; but, whether from shame or suspicion, the king, who had at first begun to nibble at the bait, soon abandoned the hook.”
Malicorne had clever ideas to help the king, but the king was hesitant to trust them.
Highlights Malicorne's role as a schemer and the king's caution.
“Hardly had the ladder been properly placed, when the king, dropping the assumed part he had been playing in the comedy, began to ascend the rounds of the ladder...”
As soon as the ladder was set up, the king abandoned his pretense and started climbing.
Shows the king's eagerness and the sudden turn of events.
“Malicorne at once perceived that he must offer himself as a sacrifice; for if he, too, were to conceal himself, the guard would search everywhere until they had found either himself or the king, perhaps both.”
Malicorne realized he had to let himself be caught to protect the king.
Demonstrates Malicorne's loyalty and quick thinking.
“And give La Vallière a hint also.” “Oh! don’t fear her, she cries quite enough already to herself.” “Very well! all she has to do is cry out loudly.””
Montalais assures Malicorne that La Vallière already cries enough; she just needs to do it loudly.
The new plan to manipulate Madame through noise.
