Pimpernel and Rosemary · Chapter
Chapter X: The Hospitality of Kis-Imre explained
Rosemary and Jasper spend a week at Kis-Imre, where Rosemary reconnects with the Imrey family and observes the changes wrought by war and occupation.
What happens
Rosemary and Jasper spend a week at Kis-Imre, where Rosemary reconnects with the Imrey family and observes the changes wrought by war and occupation. She reflects on Elza Imrey's transformation from a carefree hostess to a woman marked by suffering, and on the strained dynamics of the household, including Maurus Imrey's neurasthenia and Philip's secret bravery.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Aristocracy
The chapter contrasts the lavish pre-war hospitality of the Hungarian aristocracy with the post-war sacrifices and sadness that now tinge their generosity.
Love and Sacrifice
Elza's continued giving despite personal loss and Philip's secret risk-taking for his country exemplify love and sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Rosemary Fowkes
Rosemary takes the Imreys to her heart, recalling their pre-war hospitality, and now sees Elza as a woman shaped by suffering.
- Elza Imrey
Elza is now a woman with dimmed eyes and a drooping mouth, her hair silvered at the temples; she reminds Rosemary of Mrs. Blakeney.
- Maurus Imrey
Maurus is neurasthenic, quarrelsome, and embittered by war and occupation; he has a swarthy complexion and piercing eyes, but is a man of culture.
- Philip Imrey
Philip is handsome, a splendid dancer and musician, and secretly risks his life carrying newspaper articles into Cluj.
- Jasper Tarkington
Jasper finds Maurus an interesting if not genial companion, and initially pronounces Philip effeminate.
Key passages
“No one who has not travelled in that part of the world can form a conception of the large-hearted hospitality that welcomes the stranger in a Hungarian château.”
The hospitality at a Hungarian château is so generous that it is unimaginable to those who have never visited.
Sets the tone for the Imreys' lavish welcome.
“All the sweeter, all the more lovable for being tinged with sadness.”
Their hospitality is even more endearing because it now comes with personal sacrifice.
Highlights the theme of sacrifice.
“How could a boy be called effeminate who staked his life time and again, every time he rode into Cluj with those newspaper articles of his in his pocket?”
Philip's repeated dangerous journeys to deliver articles prove his courage, contradicting any notion of effeminacy.
Reveals Philip's secret bravery known only to Rosemary.