XIX: Royalty at the Grand Babylon explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Royalty and Aristocracy

  The chapter details the luxurious Royal apartments and the protocols of princely life, highlighting the contrast between Eugen's public status and his private trauma.

• Wealth and Power

  The opulence of the hotel's Royal suite and the discussion of Theodore Racksole's immense wealth underscore the theme of financial power.

• Mystery and Intrigue

  Eugen's fear of the next seven days, his refusal to discuss the kidnapping, and the unresolved fates of Jules, Rocco, and Miss Spencer maintain an air of suspense.

• Appearance vs. Reality

  Eugen appears recovered and in control, but internally he is troubled and secretive; the grandeur of the Royal apartments contrasts with the dark events that recently occurred.

Characters to notice

• Prince Aribert

  Stands in the audience chamber, expecting someone; speaks affectionately with old Hans; reveals to Eugen his love for Nella Racksole and intention to marry her.

• Prince Eugen

  Enters pale and languid, still affected by his kidnapping; refuses to discuss the Ostend events; fears the next seven days; dismisses Aribert's plan to marry Nella.

• Hans

  Old valet to Prince Eugen; reports that Eugen is not well; questions the propriety of receiving Sampson Levi in the audience chamber.

• Sampson Levi

  Announced at the end of the chapter as arriving for an audience with Prince Eugen.

• Theodore Racksole

  Mentioned as immensely wealthy, able to buy all Posen; Eugen considers rewarding him but Aribert advises against it.

• Nella Racksole

  Mentioned as the object of Aribert's love; Eugen recalls Aribert kissing her in Ostend.

• Jules

  Mentioned as still at large, part of the unresolved plot against Eugen.

• Rocco

  Mentioned as still at large, along with Jules and Miss Spencer.

Key passages

• “The Royal apartments at the Grand Babylon are famous in the world of hotels, and indeed elsewhere, as being, in their own way, unsurpassed.”

  The Grand Babylon's Royal suites are renowned globally for their unmatched luxury and comfort.

  Opening description of the hotel's prestigious accommodations.

• “A certain Prince who was occupying the suite during the Jubilee of 1887—when the Grand Babylon had seven persons of Royal blood under its roof—sent a curt message to Félix that the portrait must be removed. Félix respectfully declined to remove it, and the Prince left for another hotel, where he was robbed of two thousand pounds’ worth of jewellery.”

  During the 1887 Jubilee, a prince demanded the removal of Dom Pedro's portrait; Félix refused, the prince left, and was subsequently robbed at another hotel.

  Anecdote illustrating Félix Babylon's independence and the hotel's reputation.

• “Do you know, my Prince, that we are to receive the financier, Sampson Levi—is that his name?—in the audience chamber? Surely, if I may humbly suggest, the library would have been good enough for a financier?”

  Hans questions why a mere financier like Sampson Levi is being received in the grand audience chamber rather than the library.

  Reflects class distinctions and the perceived status of financiers versus royalty.

• “I love Nella Racksole. I shall marry her.”

  Aribert declares his love for Nella and his intention to wed her.

  Key revelation of Aribert's romantic intentions.

• “It is the next seven days that I fear, said Eugen. The next seven days! Why? I do not know. But I fear them. If I can survive them—”

  Eugen expresses an ominous fear of the coming week, though he cannot explain why.

  Foreshadowing of further danger or intrigue.