Twenty Years After · Chapter
In Which the Contents of the Pâtés Made by the Successor of Father Marteau Are Described explained
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.
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.
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 dramatic climax because it marks the psychological and political reversal of Madame de Longueville…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
Characters to notice
- 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 passages
“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.
