Saint-Aignan Follows Malicorne’s Advice explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Sacrifice

  The king and Louise's passionate first kiss contrasts with the impending sacrifice of Raoul's love.

• Court Intrigue and Deception

  Malicorne's orchestration of delays and the trapdoor scheme exemplifies the deceptive machinations at court.

• Friendship and Betrayal

  Raoul's discovery of Louise with the king represents a profound betrayal of their prior relationship.

Characters to notice

• Louis XIV

  Deeply in love with Louise, he exchanges a first kiss with her and is discovered by Raoul.

• Louise de La Vallière

  Consumed by passion for the king, she is caught in the trapdoor rendezvous and shrieks when Raoul arrives.

• Raoul de Bragelonne

  Returns unexpectedly, finds Louise with the king, and flees in utter despair.

• Mademoiselle de Montalais

  Assists the lovers by warning Louise of Raoul's approach and tries to conceal the trapdoor.

• Malicorne

  Cunningly arranges the lovers' private time by delaying the painter and advising Saint-Aignan.

• De Guiche

  Mentioned as part of the court circle, but not directly active in this chapter.

Key passages

• “The king, completely overcome, turned round his head and buried his burning lips in La Vallière’s hands, who, herself faint, with excess of emotion, pressed her trembling hands against her lover’s lips. Louis threw himself upon his knees, and as La Vallière did not move her head, the king’s forehead being within reach of her lips, she furtively passed her lips across the perfumed locks which caressed her cheeks. The king seized her in his arms, and, unable to resist the temptation, they exchanged their first kiss⁠—that burning kiss, which changes love into delirium.”

  Overwhelmed by passion, the king kissed Louise's hands, then knelt before her; she kissed his hair, and finally they shared their first intense kiss, transforming their love into ecstasy.

  The pivotal moment of the lovers' first kiss, marking a turning point in their relationship.

• “La Vallière uttered a terrible shriek and threw herself back. “I am here, dear Louise,” said Raoul, running towards her. “I knew but too well that you had not ceased to love me.” La Vallière with a gesture, partly of extreme terror, and partly as if invoking a blessing, attempted to speak, but could not articulate one word.”

  Louise screamed and recoiled as Raoul approached, declaring his belief in her enduring love; she was speechless with terror and guilt.

  Raoul's sudden appearance shatters the lovers' secret, leading to Louise's horrified reaction.

• “Suddenly the king, who had heard Louise’s exclamation, darted through the opening, and hurried forward to her assistance. He threw himself on his knees before her, as he overwhelmed Montalais with questions, who hardly knew where she was. At the moment, however, when the king threw himself on his knees, a cry of utter despair rang through the corridor, accompanied by the sound of retreating footsteps.”

  Hearing Louise's cry, the king rushed through the trapdoor to her side, kneeling and questioning Montalais; a despairing cry and fleeing footsteps from the corridor revealed Raoul's departure.

  The king's emergence from the trapdoor confirms Raoul's worst fears, prompting his flight.