# In Which We at Length See the True Heroine of This History Appear explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

Montalais reveals to Louise de La Vallière and Madame de Saint-Remy that she has obtained a brevet to become a maid of honor to Madame Henrietta of England, thanks to the influence of Malicorne. After a heated confrontation, Montalais secures a similar promise for Louise, who is torn between hope and sorrow at the prospect of leaving Blois and reuniting with Raoul.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Social Mobility

Montalais and Louise's appointments as maids of honor represent a leap in social standing, facilitated by Malicorne's court connections.

### Friendship and Betrayal

Montalais's loyalty to Louise is tested; she uses her own good fortune to secure a place for her friend, despite the envy of others.

## Character check-ins

### Louise de La Vallière

Revealed as the true heroine; she is torn between envy and sorrow, longing for Paris and Raoul.

### Mademoiselle de Montalais

Triumphantly reveals her brevet as maid of honor and uses her influence to secure a similar position for Louise.

### Malicorne

The cunning young man whose credit obtains the brevet; he endures Madame de Saint-Remy's wrath with comic dignity.

### Madame de Saint-Remy

Louise's mother; initially furious at Montalais and Malicorne, she is overwhelmed by the news of the brevet.

## Key lines

> “Do you think it will be very amusing for her to be buried alive at Blois, when you are going to shine at Paris?”

Madame de Saint-Remy suggests that Louise will feel bitter about being left behind in dull Blois while Montalais enjoys the glamour of Paris.

_Highlights the contrast between provincial life and courtly ambition._

> “I am going to belong to her household, as maid of honor; that is what I say.”

Montalais proudly declares her new position in the household of Madame Henrietta.

_Key moment revealing Montalais's triumph and the source of the conflict._

> “Maid of honor to the young madame!” repeated Madame de Saint-Remy, still but half convinced.

Madame de Saint-Remy repeats the news in disbelief, struggling to accept Montalais's advancement.

_Shows the shock of the older generation at the social mobility achieved through court connections._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/78-in-which-we-at-length-see-the-true-heroine-of-this-history-appear
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters