# XXIX: Theodore Is Called to the Rescue explained — The Grand Babylon Hotel

> Chapter companion for The Grand Babylon Hotel by Arnold Bennett.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_grand_babylon_hotel_se/chapters/xxix-theodore-is-called-to-the-rescue
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_grand_babylon_hotel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_grand_babylon_hotel_se/chapters