# In Which It Is Proved That First Impulses Are Oftentimes the Best explained — Twenty Years After

> Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xliii-in-which-it-is-proved-that-first-impulses-are-oftentimes-the-best
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters