Pimpernel and Rosemary · Chapter
XXVI explained
General Naniescu and M.
What happens
General Naniescu and M. de Kervoisin discuss Naniescu's scheme to have Rosemary write favorable articles about his administration in Transylvania. Naniescu laments his government's suspicion and the trouble caused by Philip Imrey's articles. De Kervoisin advises caution about their spy, Number Ten, whose motives he attributes to a love of adventure and sport. Number Ten arrives, reports success in his mission, and departs, leaving de Kervoisin to ponder the deeper passions behind his actions.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Betrayal
Number Ten's role as a spy for Naniescu, with hidden motives of hatred or passion.
Journalism and Truth
Naniescu's attempt to manipulate Rosemary into writing propaganda articles to sway British and American public opinion.
Political Oppression and Nationalism
Naniescu's oppressive governance in Transylvania and his government's sensitivity to international criticism.
Characters to notice
- General Naniescu
Anxious about his government's suspicion and his scheme to use Rosemary for propaganda.
- M. de Kervoisin
Philosophical observer who advises Naniescu and reflects on Number Ten's motives.
- Number Ten
The spy who arrives after his mission, reports success, and departs with a mysterious, wolf-like look.
- Rosemary Fowkes
Referred to as the obstinate lady journalist whom Naniescu wants to write articles.
- Philip Imrey
Mentioned as the young fool whose articles caused trouble for Naniescu.
- Anna Heves
Mentioned in connection with Number Ten's mission.
Key passages
“I have only asked her for a few articles to be published in the Times which would put us right with the British and American public; but you know what women are. They never see farther than their noses. And this one, damn her, is like a mule. So far I have not been able to move her.”
Naniescu complains that Rosemary refuses to write the propaganda articles he wants for the Times to improve his image abroad.
Highlights Naniescu's frustration and his manipulative scheme.
“He was the best spy we had during the war.”
De Kervoisin assures Naniescu that Number Ten is a reliable spy from wartime.
Establishes Number Ten's background and trustworthiness.
“I attribute to Number Ten a very different motive for his actions than the mere desire of serving you.”
De Kervoisin suggests that Number Ten's motives include money, sport, and possibly deeper passions.
Foreshadows Number Ten's hidden agenda.