Chapter 40: A Terrible Vision

Summary

      The cardinal greets d’Artagnan politely, and proceeds to prove that he knows far more about d’Artagnan than I would expect him to. The cardinal seems to know everything. It’s highly disconcerting. He knows about his letter being stolen, he knows about d’Artagnan’s trip to England, he knows about the ring that the queen gave d’Artagnan, and he knows about the kidnapping of Madame Bonacieux and d’Artagnan’s love for her. In fact, he orchestrated the capture of Madame Bonacieux because d’Artagnan ignored his previous summons. Now, he offers a post in the cardinal’s guards to d’Artagnan. D’Artagnan politely refuses, and the cardinal tells him that he is trying to protect him. When d’Artagnan makes it clear (still very courteously) that he refuses the cardinal’s offer, the cardinal tells him to remember in the future that he approached d’Artagnan first, and tried to save him. He adds that both of them are going to the campaign against England in La Rochelle, so they will see each other afterwards. It seems as if the cardinal is warning d’Artagnan, which scares him. D’Artagnan leaves with a heavy heart and troubled mind. His friends are relieved to see him in one piece, but Athos is also worried about the cardinal’s warning.

     The next day is spent packing and preparing for the campaign. The guard that d’Artagnan belongs to and the king’s Musketeers have an epic party that night, and the Fearsome Four enjoy themselves greatly. The day after that, both branches report to the king for review. The king is ill and tired that day, but he approves. Porthos haughtily bids goodbye to Madame Coquenard, who weeps as he rides away. Athos drinks wine. Aramis writes a letter to someone (really now, Dumas, you can’t expect us to be oblivious to the fact that it is clearly the Duchesse of Chevreuse. Why is Aramis trying to hide this? It’s very clear that she is his lover). D’Artagnan parties it up with the other Musketeers in the guard. He is having such an excellent time that he fails to observe Milady pointing to him and whispering to two thugs. They follow the company on horseback. Trouble ahead!

Reaction

     This chapter is exceedingly strange and foreboding. The cardinal is terrifying informed, and seems one step ahead of d’Artagnan. I must admit that I’m kind of glad that d’Artagnan got into trouble due to his behavior, however. The cardinal makes it clear that d’Artagnan has come to his attention because of recent complaints (in other words, Milady told all). However, I hope he watches himself more closely and stays safe – those thugs are fairly dangerous!

     My favorite line is M. Coquenard’s angry reaction to Porthos’s farewell: “[His] little gray eyes sparkled with anger at seeing his cousin all blazing new. Nevertheless, one thing afforded him inward consolation; it was expected by everybody that the campaign would be a severe one. He whispered a hope to himself that this beloved relative might be killed in the field.” My goodness! Bloodthirsty little old man!