Chapter 22 Summary

The next chapter opens at the ball – the cardinal notices that the queen has appeared without her diamond studs. He informs the king, who then asks the queen why she hasn't worn them. The cardinal is smiling behind the king, and she replies that she was afraid to wear them in such a crowd, but the king commands her to send for them, from the Louvre immediately. When they are alone, the cardinal gives the king a box containing two diamond studs, telling him to count the queen's to see if any are missing. When the queen returns wearing the diamonds, and none are missing, the king is joyful and the cardinal is angry. Later, Constance Bonancieux leads d'Artagnan to the queen's rooms to receive her thanks, and the queen bestows a ring on him. Constance promises to meet d'Artagnan soon, and tells...