The Square Emerald · Chapter
XIII explained
Peter Dawlish confronts Princess Anita Bellini about his missing child, leading to a violent altercation.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Betrayal
Peter is betrayed by his own mother, who turns him over to the police.
Secrecy and Blackmail
Greta Gurden discovers a secret letter and uses it to communicate with Peter, hinting at blackmail.
Gender and Power
Anita Bellini wields a pistol and asserts dominance, while Greta schemes from her sickbed.
Characters to notice
- Peter Dawlish
Confronts Princess Bellini about his child, nearly attacks her, is betrayed by his mother and arrested.
- Princess Anita Bellini
Threatens Peter with a pistol, reveals the marriage was illegal, and claims his child is dead.
- Margaret Dawlish
Betrays Peter by calling detectives and identifying him as an ex-convict.
- Greta Gurden
Bitterly recalls Anita's insults, discovers an old letter from 1916, and sends it to Peter.
- Mrs. Hobbs
Obeys Greta's instructions to post the letter discreetly.
Key passages
“This man is Peter Dawlish—an ex-convict! I charge him with threatening to murder my friend, Princess Anita Bellini.”
Peter's mother identifies him as a former convict and accuses him of threatening Anita Bellini's life.
Margaret Dawlish betrays her son to the detectives.
“Where you will never find him! In the slime and the mud where his father belongs—dead, I hope!”
Anita Bellini tells Peter that his child is dead and lost in the same filth as his father.
Anita's cruel taunt about Peter's missing son.
“You would be well advised to go to Canada or Australia, or any other place that takes your fancy.”
Peter's mother suggests he leave the country to avoid trouble.
Margaret Dawlish repeats her earlier offer for Peter to emigrate.