How we cite our quotes: Collins doesn't use traditional chapters in The Moonstone, so the citations are a little trickier than in other Victorian novels. Citations follow this format: (Period.Narrative.Chapter.Paragraph).
Quote #7
'When there's a mess of any kind in a house, sir, the women-servants like to look at the gloomy side—it gives the poor wretches a kind of importance in their own eyes. If there's anybody ill, trust the women for prophesying that the person will die. If it's a jewel lost, trust them for prophesying that it will never be found again.' (1.1.11.99)
Betteredge makes yet another generalization about women. (This time, though, it's to reassure Franklin Blake that Rosanna doesn't really know anything about who stole the Moonstone.) Betteredge says that all women – and especially the "women-servants" – like to be pessimistic because it makes them feel important.
Quote #8
'How do you explain Rachel's conduct, Betteredge?' (1.1.22.12)
Franklin Blake has no idea why Rachel is treating him like crap, so he appeals to Betteredge, who, after all, is the resident expert on What All Women Are Like.
Quote #9
'Is it conceivable that a man can have smoked as long as I have, without discovering that there is a complete system for the treatment of women at the bottom of his cigar case? Follow me carefully, and I will prove it in two words. You choose a cigar, you try it, and it disappoints you. What do you do upon that? You throw it away and try another. Now observe the application! You choose a woman, you try her, and she breaks your heart. Fool! take a lesson from your cigar-case. Throw her away, and try another!' (1.1.22.14)
Franklin Blake comes up with his own solution for being treated badly by Rachel. He compares women to "cigars," and says that when a woman disappoints you, you should treat her like you'd treat a disappointing cigar: "throw her away and try another."