# XXI explained — Blue Hand

> Chapter companion for Blue Hand by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Eunice Weldon sits with old Mrs. Groat, who rambles about her youth and warns her about her son Digby. Mrs. Groat reveals that Digby is not like his father, hinting at a secret. When Digby enters, he discusses a mysterious female intruder who left a blue handprint on his door, identified by Scotland Yard as Madge Benson. The revelation terrifies Mrs. Groat, who collapses in Eunice's arms.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Dysfunction and Secrets

Mrs. Groat's fear of her son Digby and her secretive past, hinted at by her reaction to the blue hand and her contempt for her husband.

### Deception and Manipulation

Eunice lies to Mrs. Groat about what she said, and Digby manipulates the conversation to unsettle his mother.

## Character check-ins

### Eunice Weldon

Keeps Mrs. Groat company, lies to protect Jim Steele, and catches the collapsing Mrs. Groat.

### Mrs. Groat

Rambles about her youth, warns Eunice about Digby, and reacts with terror to the mention of Madge Benson and the blue hand.

### Digby Groat

Enters in evening dress, discusses the mysterious intruder and the blue handprint, and reveals the intruder's identity as Madge Benson.

### Jane Groat

Sits bolt upright and reacts convulsively to the news of the blue hand, then collapses.

## Key lines

> Get on with your book

Mrs. Groat tells Eunice to continue reading.

_Mrs. Groat is irritable and suspicious._

> Be careful of my son. He's not a bad lad, not a bad lad

Mrs. Groat warns Eunice about Digby, but insists he is not evil.

_Mrs. Groat shows conflicted feelings about her son._

> A blue hand, a blue hand! What was that woman's name?

Mrs. Groat is horrified by the mention of a blue handprint and demands the intruder's name.

_The blue hand triggers a strong, fearful reaction in Mrs. Groat._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/blue_hand_se/chapters/xxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/blue_hand_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/blue_hand_se/chapters