The Grand Babylon Hotel · Chapter
XVIII: In the Nighttime explained
Prince Eugen remains seriously ill and cannot be moved.
What happens
Prince Eugen remains seriously ill and cannot be moved. Nella, Theodore Racksole, and Prince Aribert take charge of the house in Ostend, keeping Miss Spencer prisoner in the attic. As Eugen's condition worsens, Aribert and Nella grow closer. Nella faints after believing she saw Jules by her bed; Aribert kisses her and confesses his love, but explains that if Eugen dies he must rule Posen and can only marry a princess. Nella suggests he could abdicate. A crash of glass reveals a ladder against the house, and Miss Spencer has vanished.
Themes in this chapter
Royalty and Aristocracy
The Racksoles are impressed by Eugen's royal linens and signet ring; Aribert's reverential attitude toward his nephew underscores the power of monarchical tradition.
Father-Daughter Relationship
Theodore Racksole defers to Nella's judgment in medical matters, and they work together as a team in the crisis.
Mystery and Intrigue
The disappearance of Miss Spencer, the possible intrusion of Jules, and the secretive atmosphere of the house heighten the suspense.
American vs. European Culture
The Racksoles initially find Aribert's deference to Eugen's royalty 'false and unreal,' highlighting the clash between American democracy and European aristocracy.
Characters to notice
- Nella Racksole
Takes charge as nurse, insists Eugen must not be moved, faints after thinking she saw Jules, and receives Aribert's confession of love.
- Prince Aribert
Keeps watch over Eugen, confesses his love for Nella, kisses her, and explains his duty to Posen if Eugen dies.
- Theodore Racksole
Agrees to keep Eugen in Ostend, reads the New York Herald, and sleeps in the parlour.
- Prince Eugen
Lies dangerously ill with fever, unable to speak rationally; his royal linens and signet ring impress the Racksoles.
- Miss Spencer
Kept prisoner in the attic; vanishes mysteriously during the night.
- Jules
Possibly seen by Nella beside her bed; a ladder is raised against the house, suggesting his involvement in Miss Spencer's disappearance.
Key passages
“He must on no account be moved”
The doctor firmly insisted that Prince Eugen should stay exactly where he was.
The doctor's order confirms Nella's earlier professional opinion.
“We Americans have a habit of going right through with anything we have begun.”
Nella explains that she and her father are determined to see this matter to its conclusion.
Reflects American persistence and the theme of American vs. European culture.
“I saw Jules by the side of my bed; I’m sure I saw him; he laughed at me.”
Nella tells Aribert she is certain she saw Jules standing by her bed, laughing.
Sets up the mystery of Jules's possible presence and the subsequent disappearance of Miss Spencer.
“You kissed me.”
Nella directly states that Aribert kissed her while she was unconscious.
Leads to Aribert's confession of love and the romantic tension between them.
“If Eugen dies, I shall owe a duty to Posen—I shall be its ruler.”
Aribert explains that if Eugen dies, he must become the ruling Prince of Posen.
Highlights the conflict between love and royal duty.
