# XXII explained — The Moonstone

> Chapter companion for The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Betteredge recounts his final interactions with Sergeant Cuff before the Sergeant's departure. Cuff delivers three prophetic warnings: that Rosanna's letter will be delivered to the Yollands, that the three Indians will reappear, and that the moneylender Mr. Septimus Luker will become relevant. Despite his anger at Cuff's insinuations about Rachel's guilt, Betteredge cannot help liking the Sergeant. The chapter also includes Franklin Blake's philosophical ramblings about women and cigars, and the arrival of a letter from Lady Verinder confirming Cuff's dismissal from the case.

## Themes in this chapter

### Detection and Truth

Sergeant Cuff's prophetic warnings and his insistence that the Moonstone case is not closed highlight the theme of detection and the elusive nature of truth.

### Class and Social Hierarchy

Betteredge's deference to Lady Verinder and his role as a servant, contrasted with Cuff's professional authority, illustrate the class dynamics of Victorian society.

## Character check-ins

### Gabriel Betteredge

Narrates the chapter, struggles with his conflicting feelings about Sergeant Cuff, and receives Lady Verinder's letter confirming Cuff's dismissal.

### Sergeant Cuff

Delivers three prophetic warnings about the Moonstone case before departing, and engages in a heated debate with Mr. Begbie about roses.

### Franklin Blake

Engages in philosophical banter with Betteredge, comparing women to cigars, and receives a letter from Lady Verinder.

### Mr. Begbie

The gardener who argues with Sergeant Cuff about the proper method of growing a white moss rose.

### Lady Verinder

Sends letters to Franklin and Betteredge, confirming the dismissal of Sergeant Cuff from the investigation.

### Mr. Septimus Luker

Mentioned by Sergeant Cuff as a moneylender in London who will become relevant to the Moonstone case.

## Key lines

> I have warned you already that you haven't done with the Moonstone yet. Very well. Now I'll tell you, at parting, of three things which will happen in the future, and which, I believe, will force themselves on your attention, whether you like it or not.

Sergeant Cuff warns Betteredge that the Moonstone affair is not over and predicts three future events that will demand attention.

_Cuff's prophetic statement underscores his belief that the case remains unresolved despite appearances._

> I own I couldn't help liking the Sergeant—though I hated him all the time. Explain that state of mind, if you can.

Betteredge admits to having contradictory feelings of both liking and hating Sergeant Cuff simultaneously.

_This reflects Betteredge's internal conflict and the complexity of human emotions._

## Links

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