XXII: Present, Past—and Future? explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Sacrifice

  Rassendyll and Flavia's enduring love is expressed through annual roses and rings, yet both accept their separation for duty's sake.

• Honor and Duty

  Flavia fulfills her duty as queen, uniting her subjects, while Rassendyll lives quietly, honoring the secret of his identity.

• Adventure and Risk

  Rassendyll's presentiment of future exploits and his anticipation of a final confrontation with Rupert Hentzau keep the spirit of adventure alive.

Characters to notice

• Rudolf Rassendyll

  Narrates his return to quiet life, his annual meeting with Fritz, and his enduring love for Flavia.

• Fritz von Tarlenheim

  Meets Rassendyll annually in Dresden, bringing news of Strelsau and a red rose from Flavia.

• Princess Flavia

  Now queen, she sends a red rose each year to Rassendyll via Fritz, fulfilling her duty to her country.

• Rupert Hentzau

  Mentioned as still alive and plotting; Rassendyll anticipates a future confrontation with him.

• George Featherly

  Rassendyll meets him in Paris and tells false stories about his absence.

• Antoinette Mauban

  Returns to Paris in seclusion; Rassendyll corresponds with her and she vows secrecy.

• Sir Jacob Borrodaile

  Mentioned as finding another attaché after Rassendyll declines to go to Strelsau.

• Lady Burlesdon

  Despairs of Rassendyll's quiet, unsociable life.

Key passages

• “That message, and the wearing of the rings, are all that now bind me and the Queen of Ruritania.”

  The only connection between Rassendyll and Flavia now is the annual rose exchange and the rings they wear.

  Summarizes the bittersweet conclusion of their relationship.

• “Where is young Rupert of Hentzau—the boy who came so nigh to beating me?”

  Rassendyll wonders about Rupert Hentzau's whereabouts, recalling how close he came to defeating him.

  Foreshadows a potential future conflict with Rupert.