The Square Emerald · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Square Emerald by Edgar Wallace.
Chapter 1
I
Lady Raytham, awaiting guests in her Berkeley Square home, receives a telegram from her husband extending his travels. Princess Anita Bellini and Mrs. Greta Gurden visit for tea. The conversation turns to Peter Dawlish, recently released from prison after five years for forgery, and his likely animosity toward the butler Druze, whom he accused of the crime. Anita mentions a letter from Leslie Maughan seeking a meeting.
Chapter 2
II
Leslie Maughan, a woman detective from Scotland Yard, visits Lady Raytham to investigate a withdrawal of twenty thousand pounds from her bank account. Lady Raytham is visibly shaken and defensive, refusing to explain the withdrawal. The encounter ends with Leslie leaving, and she has a chilling premonition about the butler, Druze.
Chapter 3
III
Leslie Maughan encounters Peter Dawlish on the Thames Embankment with Chief Inspector Coldwell. She invites him to visit her, revealing she knows his motive for murdering Druze.
Chapter 4
IV
Leslie Maughan explains to Chief Inspector Coldwell her theory that Druze will be killed because he dislikes children, and reveals her past discovery in Cumberland. Later, Peter Dawlish is attacked by three Javanese men on the streets but is saved by a policeman. He finds lodging and later meets Leslie, who challenges him to accept a loan of twenty pounds to prove he is not finished. After leaving, Peter sees his mother and Aunt Anita, and reflects on Leslie's influence as he crosses Hungerford Bridge.
Chapter 5
V
Leslie Maughan receives a letter from Peter Dawlish and reflects on her growing involvement in the Dawlish case. She visits Lady Raytham again, where Princess Bellini is present, leading to a tense confrontation. Later, Leslie dines with Mr. Coldwell and spots Peter's mother, Margaret Dawlish, at the restaurant.
Chapter 6
VI
Leslie Maughan interviews Lady Raytham, who is visibly distressed and evasive about her evening. Leslie deduces that Lady Raytham lied about going out to dinner. Later, Leslie and Mr. Coldwell investigate the murder of Anthony Druze, whose body is found near Barnes. Leslie discovers a steamship ticket, passport, and a pocketbook stuffed with thousand-dollar notes hidden behind a bush, indicating the killer searched for something specific. Coldwell notes bare footprints and a button fastened incorrectly on the victim's overcoat. Leslie is sent to inform Lady Raytham, and at the house she encounters a nervous Greta Gurden before being summoned upstairs by Lady Raytham.
Chapter 7
VII
Leslie Maughan interrogates Lady Raytham about her knowledge of Druze's death and her whereabouts on the night of the murder. Lady Raytham admits to finding the body but claims she was on her way to Princess Bellini's. Leslie reveals the emerald found in Druze's hand, and Lady Raytham shows her an identical emerald necklace intact in her safe. The chapter ends with Lady Raytham fainting and Leslie suspecting Peter Dawlish.
Chapter 8
VIII
Leslie Maughan visits Peter Dawlish at Mrs. Inglethorne's house, where she meets the frail child Elizabeth and witnesses the squalid living conditions. She learns from Peter that Druze was recommended by Princess Bellini and had served her in Java before working for Lord Everreed and later Lady Raytham. Later, Inspector Coldwell reveals to Leslie that Druze was actually a woman.
Chapter 9
IX
Leslie Maughan grapples with the revelation that Druze was a woman, forcing her to discard her previous theories. After a restless night, she is visited early in the morning by Lady Raytham, who confesses to being blackmailed by Druze and reveals that the emerald necklace was a copy. Lady Raytham admits she knew Druze was a woman but denies knowing who killed her, and discloses that Druze was illiterate, making forgery impossible.
Chapter 10
The Planted Gun and the Powder Burn
Leslie Maughan and Chief Inspector Coldwell investigate a planted pistol in Peter Dawlish's room, leading to a discussion about the murder of Druze. Coldwell reveals that the murder weapon was likely used by Druze herself, suggesting self-defense, and Leslie theorizes that Druze may have killed or wounded someone before being killed. The chapter also features a confrontation with Princess Anita Bellini, who attempts to manipulate the investigation.
Chapter 11
XI
Leslie Maughan visits Greta Gurden, who is recovering from a leg wound and claims it was an accident while cleaning her husband's pistol. Leslie reveals that Druze has been murdered and was a woman, shocking Greta. After Leslie leaves, Princess Anita Bellini arrives, berates Greta, and the tension between them escalates.
Chapter 12
XII
Peter Dawlish struggles to focus on his mechanical work, his mind drifting between memories of prison and thoughts of Leslie Maughan. He reflects on his father's disinheritance and his failed marriage to Jane. His mother visits unexpectedly, offering him a farm in Canada. Later, Leslie Maughan comes to see him, and they discuss his marriage, his family, and Elizabeth's situation. That night, Peter hears a child being beaten, breaks into Mrs. Inglethorne's room, and rescues Elizabeth from her abusive mother.
Chapter 13
XIII
Peter Dawlish confronts Princess Anita Bellini about his missing child, leading to a violent altercation. His mother, Mrs. Dawlish, intervenes and betrays him to detectives, resulting in his arrest. Meanwhile, Mrs. Greta Gurden, nursing a grudge against Anita, discovers an old unfinished letter from 1916 and decides to send it to Peter Dawlish, which he receives.
Chapter 14
XIV
Leslie Maughan learns that Peter Dawlish was arrested after his mother charged him with breaking into Princess Bellini's house. She visits him in custody, and the charge is dropped when the Princess declines to prosecute. Afterwards, Leslie reveals she already knew about Jane Raytham's child, born at Appledore farm, and shares details of her investigation. Peter confirms he went to Bellini's to learn about the child. Leslie also receives updates on Mrs. Inglethorne's criminal history and the baby-farming trade.
Chapter 15
Chapter XV
Leslie and Jane discuss Jane's past, her marriage, and her lost child. Leslie admits she is in love with Peter but concludes it is maternal. Peter shares his father's history with Princess Bellini, and Leslie examines an anonymous letter, suspecting Greta Gurden.
Chapter 16
XVI
Greta Gurden, recovering from her leg wound, prepares a meager meal alone in her flat. She reflects on her precarious financial situation and her role as a sycophantic journalist for the Mayfair Gossip. Princess Anita Bellini arrives and insists Greta move to May Towers for an extended stay, dismissing her medical concerns. Greta reluctantly agrees but secretly contacts Dr. Elford Wesley, a former doctor of the Dawlish family, which enrages Anita.
Chapter 17
XVII
Leslie Maughan visits Greta Gurden, who has quarreled with Princess Bellini. Greta reveals details about the shooting of Druze and her own injury. Leslie warns Greta to stay away from the Princess. Later, Leslie returns to her flat and is ambushed by three men who threaten her. The chapter also includes a flashback to a confrontation between Anita Bellini and Greta over Dr. Wesley's visit, during which Dr. Wesley mentions his time with old Mr. Dawlish before his death.
Chapter 18
XVIII
Peter Dawlish, desperate to find Elizabeth, searches Mrs. Inglethorne's room and discovers a collection of baby clothes with death notes, revealing she is a baby farmer. He finds a bundle labeled 'Miss Martha's girl Elizabeth,' linking the child to Martha. Rushing to tell Leslie, he finds her flat dark and is directed to Inspector Coldwell's house. Returning, he sees a light in her window, enters, and is knocked unconscious.
Chapter 19
XIX
Leslie Maughan is abducted by Princess Anita Bellini's Javanese servants and taken to May Towers. She confronts Anita, who reveals her desperation and mentions the Javanese prince Diga Nagara. Leslie attempts to escape but is recaptured, bound, and presented to Anita as a bride for Diga Nagara.
Chapter 20
XX
The police raid May Towers, arresting Princess Bellini. Leslie Maughan is rescued by Peter Dawlish. Inspector Coldwell interrogates Mrs. Inglethorne about a missing child, and Peter discovers evidence in her room. The chapter concludes with Leslie comforting Elizabeth and promising to introduce her to her real father.
Chapter 21
XXI
Jane Raytham receives a late-night visit from Mrs. Dawlish, who reveals that she is actually Martha Druze and that Jane's child is a girl, not a boy. Mrs. Dawlish offers to give Jane the child and make Peter an allowance if he stops his lawyers from investigating the will. Peter then arrives with the child, Elizabeth, and introduces her to Jane as her mother.
Chapter 22
XXII
Leslie Maughan reveals the full truth about the Druze sisters' conspiracy, including Anita Bellini's blackmail, the forgery of Lord Everreed's signature, and the murder of Arthur Druze. She discloses that Jane Raytham's divorce was actually granted, contrary to what she believed, and that Anita manipulated her into thinking she was a bigamist. The chapter concludes with Peter and Leslie alone, sharing a tender moment, while Lucretia observes.
Chapter 23
Endnotes
The chapter contains endnotes providing brief definitions or clarifications for terms used in the main text, specifically noting that 'Nose' refers to a police informer and referencing a period of nine months.
