The Secret of Chimneys · Chapter
XXX: Anthony Signs on for a New Job explained
Anthony reveals his true identity as Prince Nicholas Obolovitch to Superintendent Battle and later to Virginia and Jimmy.
What happens
Anthony reveals his true identity as Prince Nicholas Obolovitch to Superintendent Battle and later to Virginia and Jimmy. He explains his democratic ideals and his decision to become king for Virginia's sake. Jimmy arrives unexpectedly, and Anthony entrusts him with delivering the memoirs to Mr. Balderson, revealing he never actually burned them. The chapter ends with a romantic reunion between Anthony and Virginia.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Disguise
Anthony reveals his true identity as Prince Nicholas Obolovitch, shedding his disguise as a common adventurer.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Boris's instinctive loyalty to the Obolovitch dynasty and Jimmy's friendship are highlighted; Anthony remains loyal to his promise to deliver the memoirs.
Wealth and Power
Anthony's decision to become king is tied to oil concessions and political power; the thousand-pound reward for the memoirs underscores financial stakes.
Characters to notice
- Anthony Cade
Reveals his true identity as Prince Nicholas Obolovitch; explains his democratic ideals and decision to become king for Virginia.
- Superintendent Battle
Interviews Anthony about the dead woman (Queen Varaga) and his identity; approves of Anthony as future king.
- Virginia Revel
Reunites with Anthony on the terrace; learns his true identity and expresses excitement about becoming queen.
- Jimmy McGrath
Arrives unexpectedly at Chimneys; delivers the memoirs to Mr. Balderson for a thousand pounds.
- Boris Anchoukoff
Leads Anthony to Virginia and Jimmy on the terrace; demonstrates instinctive loyalty to the Obolovitch dynasty.
- Prince Nicholas Obolovitch
Anthony's true identity is confirmed; he is set to become king of Herzoslovakia.
Key passages
“I killed myself from the purest motives, Battle. My mother was English, I'd been educated in England, and I was far more interested in England than in Herzoslovakia.”
Anthony explains he abandoned his princely title because he felt more English and disliked the pomp of royalty.
Anthony's democratic ideals and personal motivations for hiding his identity.
“But you consider it your duty, I suppose, sir? ... Good Lord, no! What an idea. It's a woman—it's always a woman, Battle. I'd do more than be a king for her sake.”
Anthony admits he is becoming king not out of duty but out of love for Virginia.
Romantic motivation driving Anthony's decision.
“I rang up the publishers at once, found out that the other was a fake call, and arranged accordingly. I made up a dummy package as I'd been directed to do. But I put the real package in the Manager's safe and handed over the dummy.”
Anthony reveals he never actually burned the memoirs; he outsmarted the plotters by substituting a fake package.
Anthony's cleverness in preserving the memoirs.