# Madame de Bellière’s Plate and Diamonds explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

Fouquet, having dismissed Vanel, reflects on his past love for Marguerite and decides to grant her wish to become the wife of a procureur-général. He then turns his attention to Madame de Bellière, who has sold her plate and jewels to help him. Fouquet repays her with a generous sum and a diamond, and hosts a lavish supper where he reveals that the magnificent plate and jewels on display are actually hers, celebrating her noble sacrifice. The evening is one of joy and gratitude, but is interrupted by the arrival of Aramis.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Madame de Bellière sells her plate and diamonds out of devotion to Fouquet, who publicly honors her sacrifice.

### Greed and Corruption

Fouquet's lavish display and financial dealings contrast with the underlying political and personal manipulations.

## Character check-ins

### Nicolas Fouquet

The superintendent orchestrates the evening, repaying Madame de Bellière's sacrifice and hosting a grand supper.

### Madame de Bellière

She sold her plate and diamonds to help Fouquet; he returns them publicly, honoring her devotion.

### Aramis

Arrives at the end of the chapter, announced as the bishop of Vannes.

### Pélisson

Assists Fouquet in the transaction with the goldsmith and speaks in praise of Madame de Bellière.

### Gourville

Stations himself at the entrance to watch for Madame de Bellière's arrival.

### Jean de La Fontaine

Present at the supper, comments on the plate and forgets his usual wine preferences.

## Key lines

> A man never can do too much for the woman he has once loved. Marguerite wishes to be the wife of a procureur-général⁠—and why not confer this pleasure upon her?

Fouquet reflects that one can never do enough for a former love, and decides to grant Marguerite's wish to become a procureur-général's wife.

_Fouquet's internal reasoning about his past relationship with Marguerite Vanel._

> Happy indeed is that man who sees himself loved in such a manner. Let us drink to the health of Madame de Bellière.

Fouquet toasts Madame de Bellière, declaring that a man who is loved so selflessly is truly fortunate.

_Fouquet publicly honors Madame de Bellière's sacrifice during the supper._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/187-madame-de-belli-re-s-plate-and-diamonds
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters