The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
The Houses of M. Fouquet explained
While d'Artagnan returns to Planchet's house, Superintendent Fouquet arrives at his country house in Saint-Mandé and shuts himself in his cabinet to work.
What happens
While d'Artagnan returns to Planchet's house, Superintendent Fouquet arrives at his country house in Saint-Mandé and shuts himself in his cabinet to work. He ignores repeated signals from a secret bell, but eventually responds and descends through a hidden passage to meet a mysterious visitor. To his astonishment, it is the Marquise de Bellière, who has come to warn him of the threat posed by Colbert, who has been appointed intendant and is plotting against Fouquet's allies Lyodot and d'Eymeris.
Themes in this chapter
Court Intrigue and Deception
The secret passage, hidden signals, and warnings about Colbert's plotting highlight the pervasive intrigue and deception at court.
Greed and Corruption
Colbert's ambition to supplant Fouquet and the discussion of bribes and fortunes reflect themes of greed and corruption.
Characters to notice
- Nicolas Fouquet
The superintendent works diligently in his cabinet at Saint-Mandé, then responds to secret signals and meets the Marquise de Bellière via a hidden passage.
- Madame de Bellière
She visits Fouquet through the secret passage to warn him about Colbert's plotting and to offer her devotion.
- Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Mentioned as the newly appointed intendant who hates Fouquet and is scheming against his allies Lyodot and d'Eymeris.
- Marguerite Vanel
Former lover of Fouquet, now Colbert's mistress; she warned the Marquise de Bellière about Colbert's plans.
- D'Artagnan
Mentioned at the chapter's opening as returning to Planchet's house, his head aching from his conversation with the king.
Key passages
“the first place, is it positively true that the king has given it to him?" "It is so said." "Ay, but who says so?" "Everybody." "Everybody, that's nobody; mention someone likely to be well-informed who says so." "Madame Vanel."”
Fouquet asks the marquise if it is certain the king has appointed Colbert intendant; she confirms it is widely rumored, and when pressed for a reliable source, she names Madame Vanel.
This exchange establishes the rumor of Colbert's appointment and the source of the information.
“What you call your advanced works are your creatures, are they not—your friends?" "Exactly so." "And is M. d'Eymeris one of your creatures?" "Yes, he is." "Is M. Lyodot one of your friends?" "Certainly."”
The marquise warns Fouquet that his allies d'Eymeris and Lyodot are under threat from Colbert, and urges him to protect them.
This dialogue reveals the specific targets of Colbert's plotting and Fouquet's concern for his associates.