Ten Years Later — Chronicle
Ordered by year where the text states one — taken as written, never inferred. This book has no continuous chronology, so nothing is carried forward: events with no stated year are listed at the end, in chapter order. Every event links back to one sentence of the original.
⭐ Constellation map → · 📖 Read the original → · 🗂 Character index → · 📍 Places →
283 events · 12 carry a year stated nearby in the text · the rest left undated
1626 (1 events)
1661 (7 events)
Chapter 47 · to-morrow
Louis XIV Saint-Aignan La Vallière
Saint-Aignan, I rely upon you to procure me every information about her.
1662 (4 events)
Chapter 33
One of the first gentlemen of Europe obliged to leave the court of the King of France, of Louis XIV., like a beggar
Undated
Chapter 1 · 📍 [[Louvre]]
Here is your commission of captain of musketeers; you have won it, Monsieur d’Artagnan.
Chapter 2 · 📍 [[Blois]]
Malicorne was rolling his hat respectfully between his fingers; but, all at once, he let fall his hat, seized the young girl by the shoulders, pulled her towards him, and sealed her mouth with two lips that were very warm, for a man pretending to so much indifference.
Chapter 3
Montalais Madame Henrietta of England
I say I am going to belong to her household, as maid of honor; that is what I say.
Chapter 3 · within a week
Malicorne La Vallière Madame Henrietta of England
No evasive answers, Louise de la Vallière shall be maid of honor to Madame Henrietta within a week.
Chapter 3
Malicorne La Vallière Madame Henrietta of England
That is right. Keep your brevet; Mademoiselle de la Vallière shall be a maid of honor.
Chapter 4 · 📍 [[Orleans]]
he had made for himself, by following the example of his father, and lending at high interest for short terms, a revenue of eighteen hundred livres
Chapter 6 · 📍 [[Hotel Grammont]]
That I was not born a gentleman. I am not without courage, and not altogether deficient in ability; but my name is Malicorne simply.
Chapter 6 · 📍 [[Hotel Grammont]]
the king refused it to Monsieur’s protege, in order to bestow it upon the Chevalier d’Artagnan
Chapter 7
“Listen to me, my dear De Guiche, this inveterate dislike existed between my father and M. d’Artagnan, and when I was quite a child, he acquainted me with the reason for it, and, as forming part of my inheritance, I regard it as a particular legacy bestowed upon me.”
Chapter 7 · 📍 [[Palais Royal]]
Monsieur De Guiche Mlle. de la Baume le Blanc de la Vallière
“Well, you shall have it; but ask me for no more appointments, for there are none to give away.”
Chapter 7 · 📍 [[Palais Royal]] · ten minutes afterwards
De Guiche Raoul de Bragelonne De Wardes
ten minutes afterwards, banners, scarfs, and feathers were fluttering and waving in the air, as the cavalcade galloped away.
Chapter 8 · 📍 [[Le Havre]] · three days ago
His Grace was preceded by a courier, who arrived here three days ago, and immediately retained all the houses fit for habitation the town possesses.
Chapter 9 · 📍 [[Le Havre]] · The following day
the three, not venturing perhaps to enter the narrow entrance of the harbor, cast anchor between Le Havre and La Heve.
Chapter 9 · 📍 [[Le Havre]] · At the expiration of an hour’s struggling with the waves
At the expiration of an hour’s struggling with the waves, it reached the spot where the admiral’s vessel was anchored
Chapter 9
De Guiche Raoul Bragelonne Duke of Norfolk
De Guiche and Bragelonne lightly mounted the ladder on the starboard side, and, conducted by the Duke of Norfolk
Chapter 9 · this time
Buckingham Duke of Norfolk Henriette
I have undertaken to convey Madame safe and sound to France, and I shall keep my promise.
Chapter 9 · The repast finished
Buckingham De Guiche Henriette
This was the place Buckingham usually occupied; and when he entered the cabin, how profound was his unhappiness to see himself banished by etiquette
Chapter 9 · From this moment
Buckingham De Guiche Henriette Monsieur
From this moment, indeed, her royal highness belongs to France, and when she deigns to honor me by touching my hand it is the hand of Monsieur
Chapter 10
I beg your lordship to be good enough to precede us ashore, and to give directions that everything be in proper order on our arrival.
Chapter 10 · 📍 [[Hotel de Ville]]
At the entrance to the tents, the soldiers barred his passage, and his further progress was arrested.
Chapter 10 · 📍 [[Hotel de Ville]]
Buckingham De Guiche Manicamp Raoul
I hereby order them to be removed.
Chapter 10 · 📍 [[Hotel de Ville]]
Raoul thrust his hand aside. “Be careful what you do,” he said;
Chapter 10 · 📍 [[Hotel de Ville]]
Keep your tents.” And he threw his arms round Raoul’s neck.
Chapter 10 · 📍 [[Hotel de Ville]]
De Guiche, in his turn, embraced Buckingham somewhat against his inclination; but, at all events, he did embrace him.
Chapter 10 · 📍 [[Hotel de Ville]]
This was the signal for French and English to do the same; and they who, until that moment, had looked at each other with restless uncertainty, fraternized on the spot.
Chapter 11 · 📍 [[tent]] · the night had closed in
he admitted I was right, and resigned himself unresistingly to my arguments.
Chapter 12 · 📍 [[Le Havre]] · The next day
As soon as it had been settled that Buckingham was to accompany Madame, the young duke selected a corps of gentlemen and officers to form part of his own suite
Chapter 12 · 📍 [[Mantes]] · one evening
De Wardes Buckingham D’Artagnan
M. de Bragelonne is my friend, you insult M. de Bragelonne, and you shall give me satisfaction for that insult.
Chapter 12 · 📍 [[Paris]]
M. d’Artagnan can easily be discovered at either of those two places.
Chapter 12 · 📍 [[Mantes]] · one evening
immediately on our arrival at Paris I will conduct you to M. d’Artagnan, to whom you shall detail all the causes of complaint you have against him.
Chapter 13 · 📍 [[Nanterre]]
It was Monsieur himself, followed by the Chevalier de Lorraine and by his favorites
Chapter 13 · 📍 [[Blois]] · Eight days ago
“Mademoiselle de la Vallière has left Blois, then?” exclaimed Raoul. “Eight days ago.” “Where is she, then?” “In Paris.”
Chapter 13 · 📍 [[Paris]] · the very morning fixed for the marriage ceremony
Raoul de Bragelonne La Vallière Montalais Malicorne
Malicorne drew four letters from his pocket, which he offered to Raoul.
Chapter 13 · 📍 [[Palais Royal]] · the very morning fixed for the marriage ceremony
Raoul de Bragelonne Mademoiselle Aure
The writing was that of Mademoiselle Aure, and inclosed were these words:--“Paris, Palais Royal. The day of the nuptial blessing.”
Chapter 13 · 📍 [[Paris]]
Advice like this resulted in De Guiche becoming excited to such an extent that he committed extravagances where Buckingham only incurred expenses.
Chapter 14 · 📍 [[Palais Royal]]
Montalais La Vallière Malicorne
I begged a friend, a protector of mine, who had obtained the appointment for me, to solicit one for Louise; the appointment arrived.
Chapter 14 · 📍 [[Palais Royal]]
Raoul de Bragelonne Montalais La Vallière
M. de Bragelonne had written several letters to you, but your mother was the only person who remained behind at Blois, and it was necessary to prevent these letters from falling into her hands; I intercepted them, and returned them to M. Raoul, so that he believed you were still at Blois while you were here in Paris
Chapter 14 · 📍 [[Palais Royal]]
Raoul de Bragelonne La Vallière
With a movement as rapid as thought, she placed both her hands in those of Raoul, and then fled, without adding a syllable
Chapter 15 · 📍 [[Blois]]
It is my wish, therefore, to marry her, monsieur, and I have come to solicit your consent to my marriage.
Chapter 15 · 📍 [[Blois]]
Authority to draw my sword against the man who has inflicted this injury upon me.
Chapter 16 · 📍 [[Palais Royal]]
The Duke of Buckingham. Perhaps you will defend him, too?
Chapter 16 · 📍 [[France]]
I will have the Duke of Buckingham quit the princess, I will have him quit France
Chapter 16 · 📍 [[Palais Royal]]
Anne of Austria Monsieur Buckingham
Send the duke to me, then; smile upon your wife, behave to her, to the king, to every one, as usual.
Chapter 17 · 📍 [[France]]
Anne of Austria Buckingham Duc d’Orleans
He, then, who has discovered your secret, madman that you are, still lives; and, what is more, you will not slay him, for he is armed on all sides,--he is a husband, a jealous man,--he is the second gentleman in France,--he is my son, the Duc du Orleans.
Chapter 17 · 📍 [[France]] · the day after to-morrow
leave the day after to-morrow, in the evening; but announce to-day that it is your wish to leave.
Chapter 17 · 📍 [[France]]
“Forever!” replied the young man, and he fled, endeavoring to master his emotions.
Chapter 18 · 📍 [[Paris]]
Louis XIV Raoul Mademoiselle de la Baume le Blanc de la Vallière
I have just said that I desire to secure M. de Bragelonne’s happiness, and from the present moment, therefore, I oppose his marriage.
Chapter 19 · To-morrow
King Charles II., who appreciates true gentlemen, cannot dispense with you.
Chapter 19 · 📍 [[Belle-Ile-en-Mer]]
M. Fouquet has just told us that he had presented it to the king
Chapter 19 · now
Forgive me, duke; my friendship, my lasting friendship is yours.
Chapter 20
Athos Buckingham Felton Lord de Winter
That which was not just was, that, when in England, this woman, by her seductions, completely enslaved a young man in the service of Lord de Winter, by name Felton.
Chapter 20
It remains for me to ask, with the greatest humility, your forgiveness for this shameless action
Chapter 20 · 📍 [[Calais]] · In thirty-four hours’ time
I am an Englishman, and, in my turn, I propose to you what you proposed to others to no purpose. Since you, therefore, are so terribly incensed, take me as a remedy. In thirty-four hours’ time I shall be at Calais. Come with me; the journey will appear shorter if together, than if alone. We will fight, when we get there, upon the sands which are covered by the rising tide, and which form part of the French territory during six hours of the day, but belong to the territory of Heaven during the other six.” “I accept willingly,” said De Wardes.
Chapter 21 · 📍 [[Blois]] · to-morrow at daybreak
In that case I shall return to Blois. We will take leave of each other to-night; to-morrow at daybreak I shall be on my horse again.
Chapter 21
D’Artagnan Baisemeaux de Montlezun
The king does not intend to arrest the person in question.
Chapter 21 · 📍 [[Bastile]]
Aramis Baisemeaux de Montlezun Tremblay Louviere
Like a man of honor; he procured the signature; Tremblay and Louviere resigned their appointments; I have paid every year twenty-five thousand francs to these two gentlemen; on the thirty-first of May, every year, M. d’Herblay himself comes to the Bastile, and brings me five thousand pistoles to distribute between my crocodiles.
Chapter 21
Baisemeaux de Montlezun Tremblay Louviere
In default of the fulfillment by me of any one of those conditions, those gentlemen enter upon their functions again. The king has been induced to sign that.
Chapter 22
Of Buckingham she took but little notice; for her, this fugitive, this exile, was now simply a remembrance, no longer a man.
Chapter 22
In this way, Monsieur Manicamp, with a thoughtless and absent air--for M. Manicamp was the honestest man in the world, appropriated twenty thousand francs, which were littering the table, and which did not seem to belong to any person in particular.
Chapter 22
In the same way, Monsieur de Wardes, whose head was doubtless a little bewildered by the occurrences of the evening, somehow forgot to leave behind him the sixty double louis which he had won for the Duke of Buckingham, and which the duke, incapable, like his father, of soiling his hands with coin of any sort, had left lying on the table before him.
Chapter 22 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]] · in three days
The fact is, I wish to give a fete at Fontainebleau--to keep open house for fifteen days, and I shall require--” and he stopped, glancing at Colbert. Fouquet waited without showing discomposure; and the king resumed, answering Colbert’s icy smile, “four million francs.”
Chapter 22 · 📍 [[the Bastile]]
Fouquet Aramis Baisemeaux Louviere Tremblay
“On account of the appointment which he, or rather we, purchased from Louviere and Tremblay.”
Chapter 23 · 📍 [[Bastile]] · to-day, early in the morning
Aramis Baisemeaux de Montlezun Louvidre Tremblay
Have you paid your three years’ profits to Louvidre and Tremblay?
Chapter 23 · 📍 [[Bastile]] · to-day, early in the morning
Baisemeaux de Montlezun Fouquet
To ask M. Fouquet for my address?
Chapter 23 · 📍 [[Bastile]] · last year
Aramis Baisemeaux de Montlezun Seldon
Well, as your interest is all-powerful here, my lord, I have treated him since that time as a prisoner at fifteen francs.
Chapter 23 · 📍 [[Bastile]] · last year
Aramis Baisemeaux de Montlezun Marchiali
No, no! It is he who--” and Baisemeaux approached Aramis’s ear, making a sort of ear-trumpet of his hands, and whispered: “It is he who presumes to resemble the--
Chapter 24 · 📍 [[Bastile]] · To-day
“Well, let us set off, then,” said the governor, a little bewildered, partly from the wine he had drunk, and partly from Aramis’s praises.
Chapter 24 · 📍 [[Bastile]]
‘This unhappy man,’ said M. Mazarin, ‘is destined to remain in prison forever.’
Chapter 24 · 📍 [[Bastile]]
Baisemeaux led the way down several steps which conducted to a sort of esplanade; thence they arrived at the drawbridge
Chapter 25 · 📍 [[Bastile]]
“A man came for me, directed me to get into a carriage, which was closed and locked, and brought me here.” “Would you be able to recognize that man again?” “He was masked.”
Chapter 25 · 📍 [[Bastile]]
“Yes, indeed; thrice by a woman, who each time came to the door in a carriage, and entered covered with a veil, which she raised when we were together and alone.” “Do you remember that woman?” “Yes.” “What did she say to you?” “The young man smiled mournfully, and then replied, “She inquired, as you have just done, if I were happy, and if I were getting weary.” “What did she do on arriving, and on leaving you?” “She pressed me in her arms, held me in her embrace, and kissed me.” “Do you remember her?” “Perfectly.” “Do you recall her features distinctly?” “Yes.” “You would recognize her, then, if accident brought her before you, or led you into her person?” “Most certainly.”
Chapter 25
Aramis Baisemeaux Seldon Louis XIV
“The king, Louis XIV.--you understand--would be excessively angry with you, if he were to learn that you contributed in any way to spread the report that one of his subjects has the effrontery to resemble him.”
Chapter 25
“Which I now destroy,” said Aramis; and after having shown the two receipts to Baisemeaux, he destroyed them. Overcome by so great a mark of confidence, Baisemeaux unhesitatingly wrote out an acknowledgement of a debt of one hundred and fifty thousand francs, payable at the pleasure of the prelate.
Chapter 26
In the first place, then, the king’s favor is entirely withdrawn from M. Fouquet, and conferred on M. Colbert.
Chapter 26 · Before three days are passed
Before three days are passed the ruin of the superintendent will be complete.
Chapter 26
Marguerite Vanel Madame de Belliere M. Fouquet
advanced stealthily like a panther, and seized the envelope. “Ah!” she said, gnashing her teeth, “it was indeed a letter from M. Fouquet she was reading when I arrived,”
Chapter 26 · at the same moment
tottered and fell inanimate on the carpet. The noise of the fall resounded at the same moment as the rolling of Marguerite’s carriage leaving the hotel.
Chapter 27 · in four days
Madame de Belliere M. Faucheux
“If necessary, I will lose two hundred; I wish everything to be settled this evening. Do you accept?” “I do, your ladyship.
Chapter 27 · at once
Madame de Belliere M. Faucheux
“M. Faucheux, you will take away with you both the gold and silver plate. I can assign, as a pretext, that I wish it remodeled on patters more in accordance with my own taste. Melt it down, and return me its value in money, at once.”
Chapter 27 · Three hours afterwards
Madame de Belliere M. Faucheux
Three hours afterwards she went to M. Faucheux’s house and received from him eight hundred francs in gold inclosed in a chest
Chapter 28
I am desirous of placing some money in your hands, and naturally I wish to know if you are certain of your post.
Chapter 28
I yield, I yield, even were it only to consecrate so much devotion. I accept the dowry.
Chapter 29
Their swords crossed at the same moment, like two flashes of lightning on a dark night.
Chapter 29
And with a terrible lunge, he pierced Buckingham’s arm, the sword passing between the two bones.
Chapter 29
he thrust him through the breast. De Wardes tottered, his knees gave way beneath him, and leaving his sword still fixed in the duke’s arm, he fell into the water
Chapter 29
The duke immediately began to carry his late antagonist towards the shore.
Chapter 29
M. de Wardes on shore! M. de Wardes’s safety to be looked to first, or I will have you all hanged!
Chapter 29
They took him in their arms, and carried him to the dry sand, where the tide never rose so high.
Chapter 30
The Chevalier de Lorraine, therefore, having noticed that he was threatened with being supplanted by De Guiche, resorted to strong measures. He disappeared from the court, leaving Monsieur much embarrassed.
Chapter 30 · On the second day
On the second day, however, Monsieur, finding no one near him, inquired where the chevalier was.
Chapter 30
He kicked over a chiffonier, which tumbled on the carpet, broken into pieces. He next went into the galleries, and with the greatest coolness threw down, one after another, an enameled vase, a porphyry ewer, and a bronze candelabrum.
Chapter 30
Chevalier de Lorraine Monsieur Malicorne
“Monseigneur, the Chevalier de Lorraine is here.”
Chapter 31
Duc d’Orleans Chevalier de Lorraine De Guiche
To speak the truth, others have talked to me of the attentions of M. de Guiche to Madame, nothing more; perfectly harmless, I repeat, and more than that, allowable.
Chapter 31 · 📍 [[Madame’s apartments]]
De Guiche Manicamp Mlle. de Montalais
I see one, two, four musicians with their instruments, and behind them, urging them on, De Guiche himself. What is he doing there, though?
Chapter 31
Duc d’Orleans Chevalier de Lorraine De Guiche
He cannot be found. He has fled--has evaporated entirely. Your scolding of this morning terrified him.
Chapter 31 · 📍 [[Madame’s apartments]]
Duc d’Orleans Chevalier de Lorraine
You decide me; let us go. The duke left his room, accompanied by the chevalier and went towards Madame’s apartments.
Chapter 32 · just now
Well, just now, repenting of my hastiness of the morning, and imagining that Guiche was sulking in his own apartments, I went to pay Madame a visit. Can you guess what, or whom, I found there? Another set of musicians; more dancing, and Guiche himself--he was concealed there.
Chapter 32
My wife, madame, has already replaced the Duke of Buckingham.
Chapter 32
Monsieur Anne of Austria De Guiche
I wish De Guiche to be dismissed from my household, as Buckingham was, and I shall ask the king, unless--” “Unless what?” “Unless you, my dear mother, who are so clever and so kind, will execute the commission yourself.” “I will not do it, Philip.”
Chapter 35 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]] · For four days
Every one at Fontainebleau was amazed at the extent of the influence which Madame had so rapidly acquired over the king
Chapter 35 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]] · one day, about two o’clock in the afternoon
Yes,” she said, “the king neglects me, the king devotes himself to pleasures and amusements only, in which I have no share.
Chapter 35 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]] · one day, about two o’clock in the afternoon
Why not, when Madame goes to the baths with the king, and does not do me the honor to even invite me?
Chapter 35 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]]
Monsieur snatched a long whip from the hand of a stable-boy, and began to pursue the poor devil of a groom
Chapter 36
But Madame was not admitted to Monsieur’s apartments, and she was informed that Monsieur was asleep.
Chapter 37
Louis XIV Maria Theresa Madame
Maria Theresa!” “Stark mad with jealousy! Monsieur’s jealousy arises from hers; she was weeping and complaining to my mother
Chapter 37
he entered the room, looking quite wild, broke into the conversation, and began to quarrel with my mother so bitterly that she was obliged to leave him
Chapter 38
Madame Louis XIV Mademoiselle de Vallière
Well, my choice is made: I impose her upon you, and you must submit.
Chapter 38 · 📍 [[the forest]] · this evening
Louis XIV Mademoiselle de Vallière
It is perfectly well understood, that this evening, during the promenade, I am to make my escape into the forest, and find La Vallière without you.
Chapter 40 · on the very first opportunity
It is to your recommendation, I am aware, that I owe my admission among the number of Madame’s maids of honor.
Chapter 41
La Vallière Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente Montalais
What! you who have a heart as I have, eyes as I have, and yet you speak of M. de Guiche, of M. de Saint-Aignan, when the king was there.
Chapter 41
La Vallière Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente Montalais
gliding almost inanimate from the arms of her companions, sank down upon the turf.
Chapter 42 · 📍 [[the chateau]]
The current of fresh air produced by the rapid motion of the carriage soon recalled her to her senses.
Chapter 43
La Vallière uttered a loud cry; for the second time her strength forsook her; and moaning in utter despair, she again fell lifeless in her chair.
Chapter 43
Louis XIV La Vallière Raoul Athos
When they went to ask the king’s permission to arrange the marriage, he refused his permission.
Chapter 43 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]] · Half an hour afterwards
Louis XIV La Vallière Montalais Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente
Half an hour afterwards, everybody in Fontainebleau knew that Mademoiselle de la Vallière had had a conversation under the royal oak with Montalais and Tonnay-Charente, and that in this conversation she had confessed her affection for the king.
Chapter 43 · not yet midnight
Philip d’Orleans Madame Louis XIV La Vallière
That my brother has suddenly fallen in love. “With whom?” “With Mademoiselle de la Vallière.”
Chapter 44 · 📍 [[Calais]]
Chevalier de Lorraine De Wardes
I think I recognize the handwriting of Monsieur le Comte de Wardes.
Chapter 44
Madame Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente Montalais La Vallière
You had better say that all three of you were perfectly well aware that the king was behind the tree, or behind the thicket, whichever it might have been; and that you knew M. de Saint-Aignan was there too.
Chapter 44 · 📍 [[royal oak]]
Madame De Guiche De Bragelonne
I tell you, vicomte, I tell you I love her madly; I tell you I love her to distraction.
Chapter 46 · about an hour previously
“It is but an hour since I quitted you, it is an age since I told you how much I love you.”
Chapter 46 · this evening
“The king has this evening been struck with a strange fancy; a woman loves him. He learned it accidentally, as he was listening to the conversation of this young girl with her companions; and his majesty has entirely abandoned himself to his new caprice. The girl’s name is Mademoiselle de la Vallière, and she is sufficiently pretty to warrant this caprice becoming a strong attachment. Beware of Mademoiselle de la Vallière.”
Chapter 48 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]]
it is true that I obtained admission for her in Madame’s household.
Chapter 48 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]]
Mademoiselle de Vallière is beloved by one of my best friends.
Chapter 48 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]]
De Guiche Montalais Malicorne Manicamp
Manicamp asked me to get the situation of maid of honor for Montalais in Madame’s household, and a situation for Malicorne as an officer in Monsieur’s household. Well, I asked for the appointments, for you know very well that I have a weakness for that droll fellow Manicamp.
Chapter 49 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]] · at two o’clock to-day
at two o’clock to-day, De Guiche left.
Chapter 49 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]] · this evening
Saint-Aignan appeared, with a smile on his lips, and his hand stretched out towards them
Chapter 50 · 📍 [[Beau Paon]] · Some little time ago
‘Turn this fellow out of doors;’ which was done, immediately by the landlord and the four porters
Chapter 50
I can offer you a room in my own apartments, which, I can assure you, no Franciscan will deprive you of.
Chapter 50
your own you have just been kind enough to confide to me; for which I thank you.
Chapter 51 · 📍 [[Beau Paon]] · that night
the traveler in the cloak Manicamp
“Last Wednesday was the date,” said the mysterious stranger, in a soft and polished tone of voice, touching the landlord on the shoulder.
Chapter 51 · 📍 [[Beau Paon]] · that night
the traveler in the cloak Malicorne
“This gentleman is no friend of mine.”
Chapter 51 · 📍 [[Beau Paon]] · that night
the traveler in the cloak Malicorne
“I need both the room and the apartment.”
Chapter 51 · 📍 [[Beau Paon]] · that night
Malicorne the Franciscan
The result of the arrival of the stranger, and of the sick Franciscan, was Malicorne’s expulsion
Chapter 52 · in two hours
the Franciscan Grisart
send for the confessor, for in two hours, at the next seizure, you will be attacked by delirium, and will pass away in its course.
Chapter 53 · at the very first pretext
I know that the king of France has determined that, at the very first pretext, a death for instance, either that of the king of Spain, or that of a brother of the Infanta, France will, arms in hand, claim the inheritance, and I have in my possession, already prepared, the plan of policy agreed upon by Louis XIV. for this occasion.
Chapter 53
Through Madame de Chevreuse, the intimate friend and confidante of the queen.
Chapter 53
“And as I am dying,” exclaimed the Franciscan, “I constitute you my successor... Thus.” And drawing off the ring, he passed it on Aramis’s finger.
Chapter 54 · to-day
What you said yesterday is now known,--it is a text on which every one is discoursing.
Chapter 54 · 📍 [[England]] · Within ten minutes after I had received the order
Within ten minutes after I had received the order, I was ready.
Chapter 55 · 📍 [[London]]
To London. On leaving you, I am going to Madame; she has a letter to give me for his majesty, Charles II.
Chapter 55 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]]
I solicited his majesty’s consent through the Comte de la Fere, and, without absolutely refusing it, he positively said it must be deferred.
Chapter 56 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]]
Tyrcis, the owner of extensive domains transmitted to him from his parents, by right of inheritance.
Chapter 57
Madame Montalais Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente
“Precisely as you have stated, Madame,” articulated Mademoiselle de Montalais, very distinctly. “Is it true, Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente?” “The perfect truth,” replied Athenais, in a voice quite as firm, but not yet so distinct.
Chapter 57
The poor girl felt the king’s ardent look fixed upon her,--she dared not deny--she dared not tell a falsehood; she merely bowed her head; and everybody took it for a token of assent.
Chapter 57
The look and the king’s remark succeeded in overpowering the unhappy girl, who, with her head upon Montalais’s shoulder, seemed to have fainted away.
Chapter 58 · on his return from England
Louis XIV La Vallière Raoul Athos
The Comte de la Fere had solicited from me Mademoiselle de la Vallière’s hand for his son. And, on his return from England, the marriage shall be celebrated, since they love each other.
Chapter 58
I have retired to my own room, overcome with grief and fatigue, sire; and I implore your majesty to grant me the favor of an audience, which will enable me to confess the truth to my sovereign.
Chapter 58
Louis XIV Saint-Aignan Montalais Malicorne
You know the suite of rooms where Madame’s maids of honor are lodged? “Certainly.” “You know some means of obtaining an entrance there.” “As far as that is concerned, I do not.” “At all events, you must be acquainted with some one there.” “Really, your majesty is the source of every good idea.” “You do know some one, then. Who is it?” “I know a certain gentleman, who is on very good terms with a certain young lady there.” “One of the maids of honor?” “Yes, sire.” “With Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente, I suppose?” said the king, laughing. “Fortunately, no, sire; with Montalais.” “What is his name?” “Malicorne.”
Chapter 58 · in the earliest moments of her married life
And she had listened to and obeyed the royal voice, had been influenced by his ensnaring tones; and when, morally speaking, she had sacrificed her honor in listening to him, she saw herself repaid for her sacrifice by an infidelity the more humiliating, since it was occasioned by a woman far beneath her in the world.
Chapter 59
No, no,” replied the king, “you will live here blessing Heaven, on the contrary, but loving Louis, who will make your existence one of perfect felicity--Louis who loves you--Louis who swears it.
Chapter 59
Henceforth,” added Louis, rising and bending his glance upon La Vallière, “henceforth you are under my safeguard.
Chapter 60
While La Vallière and the king were mingling, in their first confession of love
Chapter 61
The king, noticing this, took La Vallière’s hand, and led her to a lateral forest-alley; where no one this time ventured to follow him.
Chapter 62 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]]
Louis XIV La Vallière M. de Saint-Remy
“Nay, sire,” cried La Vallière, eagerly; “leave things, I beg, as they are now.”
Chapter 62 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]]
Louis XIV La Vallière Queen Maria
“The Queen Maria, with an attachment which can be well understood, follows with her eyes every step of your majesty which separates you from her.
Chapter 62 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]]
I am the unhappiest prince in the Christian world, since I am powerless to induce belief in my words, in one whom I love the best in the wide world
Chapter 62 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]]
Then, when all the courtiers were assembled in the walk--when every one had been able to perceive the extraordinary mark of deference with which he had treated the young girl, by remaining standing and bare-headed during the storm--he offered her his arm, led her towards the group who were waiting
Chapter 62 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]]
The queen closed her eyes as if she had been suddenly seized with a fainting-spell.
Chapter 62 · 📍 [[Fontainebleau]]
You must see La Vallière, and, without thinking any more of becoming her lover, which is out of the question, must declare yourself her most devoted friend and her most humble servant.
Chapter 63 · 📍 [[La Vallière’s apartment]]
I succeeded in penetrating as far as Mademoiselle de la Vallière’s apartment; but she was at mass, and so I placed the note on her toilette-table.
Chapter 64
The result of this was, that Madame gradually acquired an immense influence over the court, which made her apartments the true royal place of meeting.
Chapter 64
Enriched by degrees by these presents and transfers of property, she took a fancy to inheritances by anticipation.
Chapter 64 · the following evening
Anne of Austria effected a diversion by the announcement of the famous lottery to take place in her apartments on the following evening.
Chapter 64 · this evening
The lottery I have proposed is my means of attraction for that purpose; do you blame me?
Chapter 64 · this evening
They are, indeed, precious; since, by their means, this evening, I shall have won over a heart to my side, at the same time, fathomed an important secret.