I‛m so glad Robert‛s hair is dark!

My dear Rose, why in the world should I do

anything?

My position is a comfortable one. I have

an income nearly sufficient for my wants, I enjoy an enviable social

position _ I am brother to Lord Burlesdon, and brother-in-law

to that charming lady, his countess. Behold, it is

enough!

You aretwenty nine

and you‛ve donenothing but--

Knock about? It is true.

But our family is rich. We don‛t need to do

things.

Well, it seems rich families are generally worse

than others.

I wonder when in the world you‛re going to do

anything, Rudolf?

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And why should it be forgotten? I

rather like being an Elphberg myself.

I wish you‛d take that picture away, Robert. Then it might

be forgotten.

Brother! Your wife objects to my doing nothing and having red hair.Oh! Of

course he can‛t help his hair, or

his nose.

No. The nose and the hair crop up once in a generation; and Rudolf

has them both.

What‛s the matter, my

dear?

Good heavens! How can you say

such a thing?

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In the year 1733, Prince Rudolf of Ruritania came to England on a visit, staying for several months.

During his stay, he became friendly with Lady Amelia, the beautiful

wife of Lord Burlesdon. Naturally, that did not please Lord Burlesdon.

One cold, wet morning, the two men fought. Prince Rudolf received a severe wound and, while recovering, was cleverly smuggled off

by the Ruritanian ambassador.

Perhaps I should explain why I, a Rassendyll, said I was an Elphberg. After all, the

Elphbergs are the royal family of Ruritania, and have been for hundreds of years.

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I had given my promise. But six months would give me time to visit Ruritania _ something

I was curious to do.Due to this event in the past, my sister-in-law treated my complexion like an offence for which I was to blame.

Two months after that, Lady Amelia, whose picture my sister-in-law wished to remove from the

drawing room in London, had a baby boy _ the next Lord Burlesdon.

Lord Burlesdon contracted a severe chill and died six months later.

I can tell them that I am

going for a ramble in the Tyrol. They know

it is an old haunt of mine.

If in six months‛ time no unforeseen

obstacle has arisen, and Sir Jacob invites me, hang me if I don‛t go

with him!

Do take it, Rudolf, to please me.

Why can‛t yoube responsible like your

brother? Sir Jacob Borrodaile is offering you exactly what you need. He will have an embassy in six months, and Robert says he

is sure that he‛ll take you as an attache.

As for Rudolf, he took a wife in Ruritania and ascended the throne.

The news that morning made me even more determined to go.

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On the way to Ruritania, I decided to spend a night in Paris visiting a friend, George Featherly. In the morning, he accompanied me to the train station.

Why is that?

That‛s Madame Antoinette de Mauban.

She‛s a widow _ rich, attractive and, according to repute, ambitious. She is travelling on the same train

as you. But don‛t fall in love with her, Rudolf.

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Swordfi ghts, midnight rides, castles and dungeons…The Prisoner of Zenda is the classic romantic adventure!

When Rudolf Rassendyll decides to take a journey to see his distant cousin crowned king of Ruritania, it soon becomes apparent that it is not going to be a normal trip. The fi rst indication of this comes with the realisation that he bears an uncanny resemblance to his cousin. Added to that there is the discovery that Black Michael, a relative of the rightful king, is determined to prevent the coronation taking place, so that he might receive the crown himself.

What follows is an adventure involving abduction, imprisonment and deceit. As the story races to its conclusion, Rudolf Rassendyll faces choices that will determine not only his future, but the futures of King Rudolf, Princess Flavia and the whole of Ruritania.

Published in 1894, The Prisoner of Zenda launched Hope’s writing career, and was followed by the sequel, Rupert of Hentzau.

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