Chapters 1-12 Summary

In Chapter I, it is May 1660 at the Castle of Blois. The monsieur has returned from hunting. The watchers wonder why the Monsieur bothers with such amusements. One of the watchers makes his opinions plain, saying, "The light-hearted boy shrugged his shoulders with a gesture which said as clear as day: 'In that case I would rather be plain Jack than a prince'" (Chapter 1, p. 7).

No one quite understands the prince who seems to be filled with melancholy. The prince is the greatest nobleman in the country, perhaps even more noble than his father, the king, Henry V. The prince seems to be worn down by his public duties. All in all the prince believes his life is quite dull.

The prince dismounts and goes to his room to take a nap.

The sound of laughter from two young girls wakes...