The Grand Babylon Hotel · Chapter
XXIX: Theodore Is Called to the Rescue explained
Nella Racksole persuades her father to raise a million pounds to save Prince Eugen from suicide and debt.
What happens
Nella Racksole persuades her father to raise a million pounds to save Prince Eugen from suicide and debt. She reveals her love for Prince Aribert, who does not wish to inherit the throne if it means marrying a princess. Theodore agrees to help, then attends to hotel matters and visits the City. Meanwhile, doctors give a grim prognosis for Prince Eugen's recovery.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Power
Theodore Racksole's ability to raise a million pounds illustrates the immense financial power of a millionaire.
Father-Daughter Relationship
Nella's emotional appeal to her father and his eventual agreement highlight their close bond and mutual trust.
Royalty and Aristocracy
Prince Eugen's debts and the succession of the throne of Posen are central to the chapter's conflict.
Characters to notice
- Nella Racksole
Persuades her father to raise a million pounds for Prince Eugen and reveals her love for Prince Aribert.
- Theodore Racksole
Agrees to help raise the million pounds, discusses hotel management with Félix Babylon, and goes to the City.
- Prince Aribert
Discusses Prince Eugen's condition with the doctor and is revealed to be in love with Nella.
- Prince Eugen
Lies in a weak state after a suicide attempt; doctors are not hopeful for his recovery.
- Félix Babylon
Has breakfast with Theodore Racksole and discusses hotel management and wine-cellar security.
- George Hazell
Mentioned as Racksole's assistant of the previous evening, who receives remuneration.
Key passages
“What I say is: Let him. Who is responsible for his being in debt to the tune of a million pounds? He’s only got himself and his bad habits to thank for that.”
Theodore argues that Prince Eugen is solely responsible for his own massive debt and should be left to face the consequences.
Theodore's initial reluctance to help Prince Eugen.
“If Prince Aribert ascended the throne of Posen he would be compelled to marry a Princess.”
Nella explains that Aribert would have to marry a princess if he became king, which he does not want.
Nella reveals the reason for Aribert's reluctance to inherit the throne.
“He wants to give up all his royal rights, and live as a subject. He wants to marry a woman who isn’t a Princess.”
Aribert wishes to renounce his royal status and marry a commoner.
Nella describes Aribert's desire to marry her instead of a princess.