Moonfleet · Chapter
An Interview explained
John Trenchard, impatient to leave the cave and see Grace Maskew before departing Moonfleet, persuades a reluctant Elzevir Block to allow him to visit the village.
What happens
John Trenchard, impatient to leave the cave and see Grace Maskew before departing Moonfleet, persuades a reluctant Elzevir Block to allow him to visit the village. Elzevir agrees, warning him of the danger. John meets Grace in her garden, where he recounts the events of her father's death, shows her the locket, and explains his plan to find the diamond. Grace warns him against the treasure's curse, and John learns she is fighting to remain in Moonfleet against the Court of Chancery.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
John risks his safety to see Grace before leaving, and Elzevir allows him to go despite the danger, showing selfless care.
Greed and Its Consequences
Grace warns John that the diamond, gained evilly, will bring a curse; John's desire for wealth drives his actions.
Characters to notice
- John Trenchard
Resolves to see Grace before leaving; persuades Elzevir to let him go to Moonfleet; meets Grace in her garden and shares his plans.
- Elzevir Block
Reluctantly allows John to visit Moonfleet after John confesses his true motive; accompanies John partway and agrees to wait for his return.
- Grace Maskew
Meets John in the garden of her home; weeps at the recounting of her father's death; warns John about the diamond's curse; reveals she is fighting to stay in Moonfleet.
- Mr. Maskew
Mentioned as Grace's father; his study and spectacles are noted; his death is recounted by John.
- Ratsey
Mentioned as having placed a compass in a ruined cottage for Elzevir to retrieve.
Key passages
“Lad, I have known men risk their lives for many things: for gold, and love, and hate; but never one would play with death that he might see a tree or stream or stones.”
Elzevir tells John that he has seen men risk death for gold, love, or hate, but never just to look at a landscape, implying John's real motive is love.
Elzevir sees through John's excuse and understands he wants to see Grace.
“Ah, John! set not your heart too much upon this diamond. If what they say is true, 'twas evilly come by, and will bring evil with it.”
Grace warns John not to become obsessed with the diamond, as it was obtained through wickedness and will bring misfortune.
Grace expresses her fear that the treasure is cursed.