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 #4
My daughter Penelope just looked over my shoulder to see what I have done so far. She remarks that it is beautifully written, and every word of it true. But she points out an objection. She says what I have done so far isn't in the least what I wanted to do. I am asked to tell the story of the Diamond, and, instead of that, I have been telling the story of my own self. Curious, and quite beyond me to account for. I wonder whether the gentlemen who make a business and a living out of writing books, ever find their own selves getting in the way of their subjects, like me? (1.1.2.15)
Whenever you're reading a novel and you see a reference to novel writers, or "gentlemen who make a business and a living out of writing books," as Betteredge puts it, you should sit up and take notes. After all, the novelist is writing about him or herself in those places. This is ironic, because Betteredge is wondering whether novelists ever find themselves "getting in the way" of the story – which is exactly what is happening to Wilkie Collins when he brings up novel writers here.
Quote #5
I left the two together, and went out with a heavy heart. This was the first trouble I remember for many a long year which wasn't to be blown off by a whiff of tobacco, and which was even beyond the reach of Robinson Crusoe. (1.1.16.30)
Most of the anxieties and worries of Gabriel Betteredge's life can be soothed by his tobacco pipe and a few chapters of Robinson Crusoe. It seems comical, but a little bit self-promoting, for a novel writer like Wilkie Collins to suggest that reading a novel (like Robinson Crusoe) would comfort all afflictions.
Quote #6
I hear you are likely to be turned over to Miss Clack, after parting with me. In that case, just do me the favour of not believing a word she says, if she speaks of your humble servant. (1.1.23.57)
Gabriel Betteredge addresses the reader directly here, in anticipation of the change of narrator. He undercuts the reliability of the next narrator, Miss Clack, before we even meet her. It's important that we take this warning seriously, though, because Wilkie Collins has made Betteredge such a sympathetic character.