The Square Emerald · Chapter
VII explained
Leslie Maughan interrogates Lady Raytham about her knowledge of Druze's death and her whereabouts on the night of the murder.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Blackmail
Lady Raytham's secret knowledge of Druze's death and the hidden emerald necklace suggest blackmail or concealment.
Deception and Identity
Lady Raytham's initial deception about her whereabouts and her emotional outbursts reveal layers of hidden identity and motives.
Class and Wealth
The emerald necklace, the safe, and the domestic staff highlight the privileges and pressures of Lady Raytham's social class.
Characters to notice
- Leslie Maughan
Interrogates Lady Raytham, reveals the emerald found in Druze's hand, and deduces Lady Raytham's involvement.
- Jane Raytham
Admits to finding Druze's body, shows Leslie the intact emerald necklace, and faints when Peter Dawlish is mentioned.
- Greta Gurden
Caught eavesdropping by Leslie and sent away.
- Peter Dawlish
Mentioned by Leslie as a possible suspect, causing Lady Raytham to faint.
- Anthony Druze
Deceased; his body was found by Lady Raytham, and an emerald from his hand is a key piece of evidence.
Key passages
““You’re very good,” murmured Lady Raytham, “and I loath you so much.””
Lady Raytham expresses gratitude mixed with intense dislike toward Leslie.
Reveals Lady Raytham's conflicted feelings about Leslie's investigation.
““I haven’t suggested—and will you keep very quiet when I tell you this?—I haven’t suggested that you will be under suspicion of shooting Druze.””
Leslie assures Lady Raytham that she is not being accused of Druze's murder.
Highlights Leslie's strategic approach to interrogation.
““Where is your emerald necklace?” If she had struck the woman she could not have produced a more startling effect.”
Leslie's question about the necklace shocks Lady Raytham deeply.
Shows the emotional impact of the necklace's significance.
““You found—nothing else? No other—” Again she stopped quickly. “No other part of the chain—no. Wasn’t it this you were looking for?””
Lady Raytham asks if Leslie found anything besides the emerald, then stops herself.
Suggests Lady Raytham is hiding something more about the necklace.