# XIII explained — The Square Emerald

> Chapter companion for The Square Emerald by Edgar Wallace.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_square_emerald_se/chapters/xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_square_emerald_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_square_emerald_se/chapters