The Square Emerald · Chapter
XVII explained
Leslie Maughan visits Greta Gurden, who has quarreled with Princess Bellini.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Blackmail
Greta Gurden is torn between loyalty to Princess Bellini and her own desire to reveal secrets; Leslie warns her about the danger of betrayal.
Crime and Justice
The shooting of Druze and the ambush of Leslie highlight ongoing criminal activities and the pursuit of justice.
Gender and Power
Anita Bellini exerts imperious control over Greta; the revelation that Druze was a woman complicates the power dynamics.
Characters to notice
- Leslie Maughan
Visits Greta Gurden to investigate the shooting of Druze; later ambushed in her flat by three men.
- Greta Gurden
Reveals details of the shooting and her quarrel with Princess Bellini; shows fear and venom toward her employer.
- Princess Anita Bellini
Quarreled with Greta; imperious and temperamental; involved in the shooting of Druze.
- Dr. Elford Wesley
Visits Greta to examine her leg; talkative and mentions being with old Mr. Dawlish before his death.
- Donald Dawlish
Mentioned by Dr. Wesley as having been attended by him for two days before his death.
Key passages
“I simply couldn’t repeat half the words she employed. Of course, Anita sent me out of the room; said she didn’t know I was there; but just as I started to go out, my dear—bang!”
Greta claims she cannot repeat the abusive language Druze used, and that Anita ordered her out of the room just before the shooting began.
Greta describes the chaotic moments leading up to the shooting.
“You scream—you killed!”
One of the men who ambushed Leslie threatens to kill her if she screams.
Leslie is attacked in her flat by three men who warn her to stay silent.
“I was with old Donald two days before he died, from morning till night, hoping against hope that I could do something for him. For twenty-four hours I never stirred from his side.”
Dr. Wesley recounts his constant attendance on Donald Dawlish in the days before his death.
Dr. Wesley provides a timeline of Donald Dawlish's final hours.