The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
In Which We at Length See the True Heroine of This History Appear explained
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.
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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because Raoul reaches his emotional and psychological nadir, fully interna…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
Characters to notice
- 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 passages
““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.
