The Square Emerald · Chapter
XX explained
The police raid May Towers, arresting Princess Bellini.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Justice
The police raid and arrest of Princess Bellini, along with Coldwell's interrogation of Mrs. Inglethorne, highlight the pursuit of justice.
Family and Betrayal
The revelation of baby farming and the search for Elizabeth's true parentage underscore themes of family and betrayal.
Gender and Power
Coldwell's comment about handcuffing a woman and the dynamics between Leslie and Princess Bellini reflect gender and power struggles.
Characters to notice
- Leslie Maughan
Rescued from May Towers; comforts Elizabeth and promises to introduce her to her real father.
- Peter Dawlish
Injured during the raid; discovers evidence in Mrs. Inglethorne's room; rescues Leslie.
- Princess Anita Bellini
Arrested by Coldwell at May Towers; handcuffed and taken to Wimbledon police station.
- Mr. Coldwell
Leads the raid on May Towers; interrogates Mrs. Inglethorne about the missing child.
- Mrs. Inglethorne
Interrogated by Coldwell in Holloway Prison; reveals information about baby farming.
- Elizabeth Dawlish
Found weeping in her bed; Leslie comforts her and promises to introduce her to her real father.
Key passages
“But you have the distinction of being the first woman I’ve ever handcuffed.”
Coldwell tells Princess Bellini she is the first woman he has handcuffed.
Highlights Coldwell's attitude and the rarity of female arrests in his experience.
“I’m going to introduce you to a real one.”
Leslie tells Elizabeth she will introduce her to her real father.
Shows Leslie's compassion and the resolution of Elizabeth's parentage mystery.