Twenty Years After · Chapter
In Which It Is Proved That First Impulses Are Oftentimes the Best explained
Athos and Aramis travel to Boulogne with Lord de Winter, intending to sail to England.
What happens
Athos and Aramis travel to Boulogne with Lord de Winter, intending to sail to England. On the jetty, they encounter a mysterious young man who questions them about Cardinal Mazarin and later seems to follow them. Athos recognizes a resemblance to Milady in the young man, and de Winter appears agitated. Despite their unease, they board the sloop for Hastings, but the young man's final threat echoes after them.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Justice
The young man's pursuit and final threat suggest a quest for vengeance, likely connected to Milady's death.
Friendship and Loyalty
Athos, Aramis, and de Winter travel together, sharing memories and supporting each other against a common threat.
Characters to notice
- Athos
Travels to Boulogne with Aramis and de Winter; recognizes the young man's resemblance to Milady and feels uneasy.
- Aramis
Accompanies Athos; jokes about the young man being 'one of Milady's bastards' and expresses reluctance about the sea voyage.
- Lord de Winter
Leads the group to Boulogne; appears agitated and keeps looking behind him, having seen the young man.
- Grimaud
Recognized by his long legs and determined slouch; recalls the past when passing the inn with the sausage cellar.
- Mordaunt
The mysterious young man who questions Athos and Aramis about Mazarin, follows them, and threatens 'To our next meeting, sirs, in England.'
- Blaisois
The groom who is cautioned not to exchange a word with anyone; his caution is considered necessary unlike Grimaud's.
Key passages
“He is and he is not; that is to say, he is dismissed by one-half of France, but by intrigues and promises he makes the other half sustain him; you will perceive that this may last a long time.”
Mazarin is partially out of power—rejected by half the country, but still holding on through manipulation and promises.
Athos explains the ambiguous political situation of Cardinal Mazarin to the young stranger.
“I think he is either a dull provincial person or a spy in search of information.”
The young man is either a naive local or a spy gathering intelligence.
Aramis speculates about the stranger's motives after he leaves.
“To our next meeting, sirs, in England.”
We will meet again in England, gentlemen.
The young man's final threatening words as the friends sail away.