XV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Friendship and Loyalty

  Bertie appeals to their lifelong friendship to justify his actions, while Tuppy's accusations test the bond.

• Appearance vs. Reality

  Bertie's claim of pure camaraderie with Angela is contradicted by Tuppy's suspicions and the earlier roasting.

• Comedy of Errors

  The misunderstanding escalates with Tuppy's eavesdropping, Bertie's clumsy explanations, and the beetle on Tuppy's head.

Characters to notice

• Bertram Wooster

  Defends himself against Tuppy's accusations, reveals his rejection by Madeline Bassett, and insists his motives were kind.

• Tuppy Glossop

  Furious after overhearing Bertie's remarks, accuses Bertie of stealing Angela and of being in love with her.

• Angela

  Mentioned as the subject of Tuppy's jealousy and Bertie's roasting.

• Madeline Bassett

  Referred to by Bertie as the woman he was in love with at Cannes, who recently turned him down.

• Gussie Fink-Nottle

  Mentioned in passing regarding his interest in newts and beetles.

Key passages

• “I saw that it would be necessary to apply the finishing touch. 'I must ask you to treat this as entirely confidential, Glossop, but I may as well inform you that it is not twenty-four hours since she turned me down.'”

  Bertie reveals that Madeline Bassett rejected him less than a day ago to prove he couldn't have stolen Angela.

  Bertie uses his recent rejection as evidence to clear himself of Tuppy's accusations.

• “You think a Wooster would do that?”

  Bertie is shocked that Tuppy would suspect a Wooster of such dishonorable behavior.

  Bertie appeals to family pride to deny tipping off Angela about the larder.

• “I have told you that I acted throughout from the best and kindliest motives in roasting you to Angela.”

  Bertie insists his harsh words about Tuppy were meant to help, not harm.

  Bertie defends his earlier criticism of Tuppy as motivated by friendship.