# XXII explained — A Damsel in Distress

> Chapter companion for A Damsel in Distress by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

A week after Lord Marshmoreton's visit to London, Keggs the butler lectures Albert about his failed scheme and reveals that he arranged a meeting between Lady Maud and Mr. Bevan. Keggs then advises Lord Belpher to adopt a strategy of apparent acceptance to undermine the romance, citing past examples. Lord Belpher agrees, and Keggs later sends Albert with an invitation for Mr. Bevan to dine at the castle.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Marriage

Keggs's advice to Lord Belpher centers on class differences, using the example of a roller-skating instructor to illustrate how exposure to aristocratic surroundings can break a romantic attachment.

### Rebellion Against Authority

Albert's defiance of Keggs and his earlier meddling in Maud's romance represent a minor rebellion against the established order of the household.

### The Comedy of Errors

The butler's manipulation and Albert's failed schemes create a comedic tone, with Keggs outwitting both Albert and Lord Belpher.

## Character check-ins

### Keggs

The butler lectures Albert, reveals he arranged a meeting between Maud and Bevan, and advises Lord Belpher on a strategy to end the romance.

### Albert

Morose after losing his bet, he is scolded by Keggs and later tasked with delivering an invitation to Mr. Bevan.

### Lord Belpher

Percy listens to Keggs's advice about handling Maud's romance and agrees to speak to his father about inviting Bevan to the castle.

### George Bevan

Referenced as the recipient of the dinner invitation; he had a meeting with Maud arranged by Keggs.

### Lady Maud Marsh

Mentioned as having had an interview with Mr. Bevan, arranged by Keggs.

### Lord Marshmoreton

Referenced as the one who visited London a week prior and to whom Keggs will report the invitation.

### Reggie Byng

His elopement is the subject of dinner conversation, causing Albert pain.

## Key lines

> It is my experience that opposition in matters of the 'eart is useless, feedin', as it, so to speak, does the flame.

Keggs argues that trying to stop a romance only makes the lovers more determined.

_Keggs advises Lord Belpher against direct opposition, suggesting it strengthens the attachment._

> Seein' the young man in the surroundings of 'er own 'ome, 'er ladyship soon began to see that she had taken too romantic a view of 'im previous.

When Lady Catherine saw the roller-skating instructor in her own home environment, she realized she had idealized him.

_Keggs uses this anecdote to illustrate how familiarity can dispel romantic illusions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_damsel_in_distress_se/chapters/xxii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_damsel_in_distress_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_damsel_in_distress_se/chapters