# The Cloven Foot — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for The Cloven Foot by M. E. Braddon.

- [I: The Heir Presumptive](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/i-the-heir-presumptive.md): John Treverton travels by train to the Devonshire estate of his dying kinsman, Jasper Treverton, whom he hopes to inherit from. Upon arrival, he meets Laura Malcolm, Jasper's adopted daughter, whom he initially distrusts
- [Jasper Treverton's Will](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/ii-jasper-treverton-s-will.md): Jasper Treverton dies after a lingering illness, and his will is read, revealing that John Treverton inherits the estate only if he marries Laura Malcolm within a year. The awkward condition unsettles both John and Laura
- [III: A Mysterious Visitor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/iii-a-mysterious-visitor.md): John Treverton tours the Hazlehurst estate with Mr. Sampson, learning the full extent of Jasper Treverton's wealth and the condition of his inheritance. He meets Laura Malcolm on the common and walks with her, finding he
- [La Chicot](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/iv-la-chicot.md): This chapter details the bohemian life of La Chicot and her husband Jack Chicot in Paris, focusing on their extravagant, pleasure-driven existence, La Chicot's declining popularity as a dancer, and their eventual move to
- [A Disappointed Lover](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/v-a-disappointed-lover.md): Laura Malcolm remains at the Manor House after Jasper Treverton's death, persuaded by Mr. Clare. She reflects on her constrained future with John Treverton, feeling she will always be an obstacle to his freedom. Mr. Clar
- [La Chicot Has Her Own Way](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/vi-la-chicot-has-her-own-way.md): Jack Chicot endures a miserable winter in London, trapped in a degrading marriage to the ballet dancer La Chicot. He works as a draughtsman while she drinks and spends her salary. She insists on performing a dangerous as
- [VII: "A Little While Such Lips as Thine to Kiss"](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/vii-a-little-while-such-lips-as-thine-to-kiss.md): Spring arrives at Hazlehurst, and John Treverton returns unexpectedly, staying with the Sampsons. During a tea at the Clares', conversation turns to the accident of the dancer La Chicot, which visibly unsettles Treverton
- [Days That Are Over, Dreams That Are Done](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/viii-days-that-are-over-dreams-that-are-done.md): La Chicot lies near death after a stage accident, her husband Jack Chicot returns to find her unconscious. The surgeon George Gerard suspects Jack's secret relief at the prospect of her death, and confronts him about his
- [IX: “And Art Thou Come! and Art Thou True!”](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/ix-and-art-thou-come-and-art-thou-true.md): Laura Malcolm wrestles with anger and self-reproach over John Treverton's prolonged absence, suspecting he cares only for her fortune. Her bitterness dissolves when John returns, looking ill and careworn, and they reconc
- [X: Engaged](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/x-engaged.md): John Treverton and Laura Malcolm spend a blissful evening together after becoming engaged, though John harbors a dark secret. The next day, John informs his lawyer Mr. Sampson of the engagement and requests a marriage se
- [No Trousseau](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xi-no-trousseau.md): In the interval between her betrothal and wedding, Laura is blissfully happy, feeling that her love for John Treverton fulfills her duty to her adopted father Jasper. Celia Clare returns from Brighton to help with weddin
- [XII: An Ill-Omened Wedding](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xii-an-ill-omened-wedding.md): Laura receives a letter from John Treverton confessing his wrongdoing and professing his love. Despite his betrayal, she cannot stop loving him. She decides to flee alone on her honeymoon to avoid explaining his desertio
- [XIII: The Settlement](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xiii-the-settlement.md): John Treverton returns to Hazlehurst to execute a deed of settlement, giving all his property to his wife Laura. He signs the document in the presence of Mr. Sampson, his sister Eliza, and a housemaid, then departs hasti
- [XIV: “You Have but to Say the Word”](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xiv-you-have-but-to-say-the-word.md): La Chicot and Desrolles discuss her wealthy admirer, Joseph Lemuel, while she dismisses his offers, asserting her pride and honesty. Her marriage to Jack Chicot is a hollow shell, and she lives recklessly, drinking heavi
- [Edward Clare Discovers a Likeness](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xv-edward-clare-discovers-a-likeness.md): Celia Clare writes to her brother Edward about Laura Treverton's mysterious return from her honeymoon alone and her refusal to discuss her husband. Meanwhile, in London, Edward Clare encounters the disreputable Mr. Desro
- [XVI: Shall It Be “Yes” or “No”?](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xvi-shall-it-be-yes-or-no.md): La Chicot contemplates a proposal from Joseph Lemuel, who offers her a life of luxury in Paris if she leaves her husband. She struggles with the decision, torn between her love for Jack Chicot and the allure of wealth an
- [XVII: Murder](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xvii-murder.md): In the dead of night, Jack Chicot raises the alarm that his wife La Chicot has been murdered in their lodging house on Cibber Street. The landlady Mrs. Evitt, fellow lodger Mrs. Rawber, and Desrolles gather at the scene.
- [What the Diamonds Were Worth](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xviii-what-the-diamonds-were-worth.md): The inquest into La Chicot's murder is held, and George Gerard examines the wound and discovers a thin Italian dagger in Jack Chicot's paint box. The press vehemently condemns the missing husband, while an elderly man at
- [XIX: “To a Deep Lawny Dell They Came”](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xix-to-a-deep-lawny-dell-they-came.md): In June, Laura Treverton maintains a hopeful exterior despite her husband John's absence. She tends to the estate, hoping for his return. John confesses to a past Scotch marriage and proposes a second marriage in a remot
- [The Church Near Camelot](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xx-the-church-near-camelot.md): Laura Treverton prepares for her husband John's return from Buenos Aires, revealing to Celia Clare that she will meet him at Plymouth. Celia writes to her brother Edward, who reacts bitterly. Laura and John remarry in a 
- [XXI: Halcyon Days](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxi-halcyon-days.md): John Treverton and his wife Laura return to Hazlehurst Manor unannounced, beginning their married life in domestic bliss. They explore the estate, plan improvements, and reflect on their love. Laura initiates John into h
- [A Village Iago](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxii-a-village-iago.md): At a dinner party, Edward Clare discusses the Chicot murder with Lady Barker and John Treverton, revealing a malicious look toward John that Laura observes. Later, Edward feigns friendship while visiting the Manor House,
- [XXIII: “In the Meanwhile the Skies ’Gan Rumble Sore”](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxiii-in-the-meanwhile-the-skies-gan-rumble-sore.md): John Treverton has given up caricature and now paints an ideal portrait of his wife, while managing the estate. The first year of marriage is blissful, and the couple looks forward to the birth of a child. At the Vicarag
- [XXIV: “And Purple Light Shone Over All”](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxiv-and-purple-light-shone-over-all.md): Laura Treverton prepares for a Christmas party for the children of the cottagers, ordering blankets, food, and decorations. John Treverton falls ill with a low fever but is not dangerously ill; Laura nurses him devotedly
- [The Children's Party](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxv-the-children-s-party.md): During a Christmas Eve children's party at Hazlehurst Manor, Edward Clare arrives and describes a suspicious man loitering near the gates, whom he identifies as a London Bohemian and possible swindler. Laura grows anxiou
- [XXVI: A Disinterested Parent](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxvi-a-disinterested-parent.md): Laura reveals to John that the man known as Mr. Desrolles is actually her long-lost father, Stephen Malcolm, who faked his death years ago so that Jasper Treverton would adopt her. John is disturbed by the revelation but
- [XXVII: Desrolles Is Not Communicative](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxvii-desrolles-is-not-communicative.md): Desrolles, newly enriched by a secret payment from John Treverton, encounters Edward Clare on the road from Hazlehurst Manor. Edward presses him about the identity of John Treverton and Chicot the caricaturist, but Desro
- [Edward Clare Goes on a Voyage of Discovery](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxviii-edward-clare-goes-on-a-voyage-of-discovery.md): Edward Clare, nursing a deep hatred for John Treverton, resolves to uncover the truth about Treverton's past, suspecting he is the husband of the murdered dancer Zaïre Chicot. He manipulates a conversation about photogra
- [George Gerard](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxix-george-gerard.md): John Treverton has recovered from his injury and resumes his life with Laura, participating in a New Year's Day hunt. Meanwhile, Celia Clare anticipates the arrival of her brother Edward's friend, George Gerard, a young 
- [XXX: Thou Art the Man](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxx-thou-art-the-man.md): On a Sunday in January, George Gerard attends church with the Clare family and observes John Treverton and his wife Laura. Gerard recognizes Treverton as Jack Chicot, the former husband of the murdered La Chicot. Despite
- [XXXI: Why Don’t You Trust Me?](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxxi-why-don-t-you-trust-me.md): John Treverton, burdened by his past, confesses to Laura that he is actually Chicot, the man suspected of murdering his first wife, Zaïre Chicot. He recounts his descent from a cavalry officer to a penniless Bohemian in 
- [On His Defence](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxxii-on-his-defence.md): John Treverton confesses to his marriage to La Chicot and the fraud regarding the estate, but maintains his innocence in her murder. Tom Sampson suggests that the first marriage may not have been legal, buying time to in
- [At the Morgue](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxxiii-at-the-morgue.md): John Treverton, unable to sleep, reflects on his past life and his marriage to Zaïre Chicot. He recalls a disturbing incident in Paris where they witnessed a dead man being taken to the Morgue; Zaïre's extreme reaction s
- [George Gerard in Danger](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxxiv-george-gerard-in-danger.md): George Gerard, having planned to leave Beechampton, is persuaded by Mrs. Clare and Celia to stay another day due to bad weather. He enjoys a cheerful breakfast and a moorland ramble with Celia, despite his growing doubts
- [On a Voyage of Discovery](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxxv-on-a-voyage-of-discovery.md): John Treverton and his solicitor Tom Sampson travel to Auray in Brittany to investigate the validity of Treverton's first marriage. They seek out local clergy, including Father le Mescam, to uncover information about Tre
- [XXXVI: Kergariou's Wife](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxxvi-kergariou-s-wife.md): John Treverton learns from Father le Mescam that La Chicot was originally Marie Pomellec, who married Jean Kergariou in Auray. Kergariou died in a Paris accident three years prior, confirming that John's marriage to Laur
- [The Tenant from Beechampton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-tenant-from-beechampton.md): Laura Treverton, alone and anxious, fears the suspicion of murder will forever follow her husband John. She rejects visits from Celia Clare due to her distrust of Edward Clare, but accepts the Vicar's comfort. The Vicar 
- [Celia's Lovers](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxxviii-celia-s-lovers.md): Laura receives a reassuring letter from John Treverton, who explains that his first marriage to Zaïre was invalid because she was already married to Jean Kergariou, securing their claim to the estate. Celia Clare bursts 
- [On Suspicion](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxxix-on-suspicion.md): John Treverton is arrested for the murder of La Chicot and taken to London, accompanied by his wife Laura and detectives. Laura remains composed, supporting her husband while grappling with the gravity of the situation. 
- [Mr. Leopold Asks Irrelevant Questions](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xl-mr-leopold-asks-irrelevant-questions.md): John Treverton is questioned by his lawyer, Mr. Leopold, about the night of La Chicot's murder. Leopold probes Treverton's alibi, his knowledge of Desrolles, and the possibility of a diamond necklace. The inquiry is adjo
- [Mrs. Evitt Makes a Revelation](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xli-mrs-evitt-makes-a-revelation.md): Mrs. Evitt, a chronically ill and melancholic landlady, provides crucial information to Mr. Leopold that implicates Desrolles in the murder of La Chicot, leading to John Treverton's potential exoneration. George Gerard a
- [XLII: The Undertaker's Evidence](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xlii-the-undertaker-s-evidence.md): Laura is horrified by the revelation that Desrolles claims to be her father and a murderer. John comforts her and insists they investigate. Laura travels to Chiswick with Mr. Sampson to find Ivy Cottage and uncover the t
- [An Old Lady's Diary](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xliii-an-old-lady-s-diary.md): Laura visits her aunt, Mrs. Malcolm, in Russell Square to learn about her father's past. Mrs. Malcolm, a methodical diarist, retrieves her diary from 1856 and reveals that Captain Desmond was a close friend of Stephen Ma
- [XLIV: Three Witnesses](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xliv-three-witnesses.md): John Treverton appears before the magistrate at Bow Street. Two medical experts give conflicting testimony about bloodstains on the dagger. Mrs. Evitt, the landlady, testifies that Treverton is innocent and describes fin
- [XLV: The Hunt for Desrolles](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xlv-the-hunt-for-desrolles.md): Desrolles, having secured a handsome annuity, relocates to Paris and indulges in a life of dissipation, frequenting his old haunts in the students' quarter. He renounces brandy for absinthe, gambles, and spends recklessl
- [Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/epilogue.md): John and Laura Treverton return to Hazlehurst Manor, where the scandal of John's past has faded. Edward Clare leaves for the Cape to learn ostrich farming. John and Laura have a son, and later George Gerard and Celia Cla

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