# In Which the Contents of the Pâtés Made by the Successor of Father Marteau Are Described explained — Twenty Years After

> Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

The Duc de Beaufort, imprisoned at Vincennes, receives a secret message from Rochefort hidden in a tennis ball, informing him that his deliverance is near. He arranges with La Ramée to have a pâté supplied by a new confectioner (actually his former maître d'hôtel, Noirmont) for a private supper on Pentecost. Grimaud, acting as an intermediary, dictates a note to Beaufort and reveals that the pâté will contain two poniards, a knotted rope, and a poire d'angoisse for their escape.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revolution and Rebellion

Beaufort's planned escape represents a direct act of rebellion against Mazarin's authority and the established order.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Rochefort and Grimaud demonstrate loyalty to Beaufort by risking their safety to aid his escape.

### Power and Corruption

Mazarin's imprisonment of Beaufort and the manipulation of La Ramée highlight the corrupt use of power.

## Character check-ins

### Beaufort

The imprisoned Duc de Beaufort receives a secret message from Rochefort and conspires to escape using a pâté.

### La Ramée

The exempt who guards Beaufort; he is persuaded to arrange a private supper and is unaware of the escape plot.

### Grimaud

Serves as a silent intermediary, dictating a note for Beaufort and revealing the contents of the pâté.

### Rochefort

Disguised as a gardener, he communicates with Beaufort via a tennis ball and orchestrates the escape plan.

### Mazarin

Mentioned as the one who imprisoned Beaufort and as being superstitious about the prophecy of Beaufort's escape.

### Chavigny

Mentioned as the governor of Vincennes who is away for a few days.

## Key lines

> My Lord ⁠—Your friends are watching over you and the hour of your deliverance is at hand. Ask day after tomorrow to have a pie supplied you by the new confectioner opposite the castle, and who is no other than Noirmont, your former maître d’hôtel. Do not open the pie till you are alone. I hope you will be satisfied with its contents.

Rochefort writes to Beaufort that his friends are ready to free him, instructing him to request a pie from the new confectioner (actually his old steward Noirmont) and to open it only when alone.

_This letter sets the escape plot in motion, using a pâté as a means to smuggle tools._

> Two poniards, a knotted rope and a poire d’angoisse.

Grimaud reveals that the pâté will contain two daggers, a rope with knots, and a gag (pear of anguish).

_Grimaud discloses the hidden contents of the pâté, which are essential for the escape._

## Links

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