Chapter 1, The Prisoner, and Chapter 2, How Mouston had become fatter without informing Porthos, and the troubles which consequently befell that worthy gentleman Summary

Aramis, a former musketeer and a bishop, goes to the Bastille to visit a prisoner. He asks the prison warden, Governor Baisemeaux, to let him see the prisoner alone to hear his confession. Aramis talks to the prisoner, Philippe. Aramis asks Philippe about his younger years, which are spent confined in an estate home in the countryside with a maid, Perronnette, and his master. Philippe is visited at the home frequently by a woman, whom he later learns is Anne of Austria, the Queen Mother. Eight years ago, Philippe overhears a conversation between Perronnette and his master about a letter from...