The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
A Quarter of an Hour’s Delay explained
Fouquet, determined to rescue his imprisoned friends Lyodot and D'Eymeris, visits Madame de Bellière for assistance but is delayed by the presence of the jealous Marguerite Vanel.
What happens
Fouquet, determined to rescue his imprisoned friends Lyodot and D'Eymeris, visits Madame de Bellière for assistance but is delayed by the presence of the jealous Marguerite Vanel. After a tense exchange, Pélisson warns that Marguerite has gone to Colbert. Rushing to the Palais, Fouquet learns that the prisoners have been moved to Vincennes by the king's order a quarter of an hour earlier, thwarting his plan.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Betrayal
Fouquet's loyalty to his imprisoned friends is contrasted with Marguerite Vanel's betrayal in reporting to Colbert.
Court Intrigue and Deception
The chapter revolves around secret visits, jealous informants, and a race against the king's orders.
Characters to notice
- Nicolas Fouquet
The superintendent, desperate to free his friends, visits Madame de Bellière and then the concierge, only to find the prisoners have been moved.
- Pélisson
Fouquet's loyal advisor, who warns him of Marguerite Vanel's betrayal and urges haste.
- Madame de Bellière
The marquise whom Fouquet visits for help; she confesses her love is tied to his misfortune.
- Marguerite Vanel
Jealous former lover who leaves Madame de Bellière's house and orders her coachman to go to Colbert.
- Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Fouquet's rival, to whom Marguerite Vanel reports, leading to the prisoners' transfer.
Key passages
““I expected you,” said the marquise, with a tender sigh. “Oh! no,” cried he, “or you would have sent away that woman.””
The marquise claims she anticipated Fouquet's visit, but he retorts that if she truly expected him, she would have dismissed Marguerite Vanel beforehand.
Highlights the tension and jealousy in Fouquet's relationship with Madame de Bellière.
““To M. Colbert’s!” said Pélisson, in a hoarse voice.”
Pélisson reveals that Marguerite Vanel ordered her coachman to drive to Colbert's residence, signaling betrayal.
Key moment of betrayal that sets the plot in motion.
““About a quarter of an hour.” “Whither have they gone, then?” “To Vincennes—to the donjon.” “An order from the king.””
The concierge informs Fouquet that Lyodot and D'Eymeris were moved to Vincennes just fifteen minutes earlier by royal decree.
The critical delay that foils Fouquet's rescue plan.