The Cloven Foot · Chapter
Epilogue explained
John and Laura Treverton return to Hazlehurst Manor, where the scandal of John's past has faded.
What happens
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 Clare become engaged during a visit. John gives George a medical practice as a gift.
Themes in this chapter
Bohemianism vs. Respectability
John Treverton's past Bohemian existence under an assumed name is discussed as a scandal that eventually fades, and Edward Clare's departure for a practical life contrasts with his former poetic idleness.
Love and Marriage
The engagement of George Gerard and Celia Clare, and the happy marriage of John and Laura, highlight the theme of love culminating in marriage.
Inheritance and Legitimacy
The birth of John Treverton's firstborn son ensures the continuation of the family name and legacy, fulfilling Jasper Treverton's hopes.
Characters to notice
- John Treverton
Returns to Hazlehurst Manor with Laura; becomes a father to a son; gives George Gerard a medical practice.
- Laura Malcolm
Returns to Hazlehurst Manor with John; gives birth to a son; invites Celia Clare to stay.
- Edward Clare
Leaves for the Cape to learn ostrich farming, motivated by shame over his treachery.
- George Gerard
Visits Hazlehurst Manor; becomes engaged to Celia Clare; receives a medical practice from John Treverton.
- Celia Clare
Stays at Hazlehurst Manor; becomes engaged to George Gerard.
Key passages
“Mr. and Mrs. Treverton went back to Hazlehurst Manor, and there was much rejoicing among their friends at John Treverton’s escape from the critical position in which the hazards of life had placed him.”
John and Laura Treverton returned to Hazlehurst Manor, and their friends celebrated John's narrow escape from a dangerous predicament.
Describes the couple's return and the community's relief.
“Edward Clare—the poet, the man who sauntered through life hand-in-hand with the muses, dwelling apart from common clay in a world of his own—had suddenly sickened of elegant leisure, and had started all at once for the Cape to learn ostrich farming, with the deliberate intention of settling for life in that distant land.”
Edward Clare, the poet who lived a leisurely life, abruptly grew tired of idleness and left for the Cape to learn ostrich farming, planning to settle there permanently.
Explains Edward Clare's sudden departure and new ambition.
“One balmy May morning his firstborn son opened his innocent blue eyes upon a bright young world, arrayed in all the glory of spring.”
On a warm May morning, John and Laura's first son was born, surrounded by the beauty of spring.
Describes the birth of John and Laura's child.
“So they were engaged, and, in the dim cloudland of the future, Celia saw a vision of Harley Street, a landau, and a pair of handsome grays.”
They became engaged, and Celia imagined a future with a prestigious London address, a carriage, and fine horses.
Reveals Celia's aspirations after her engagement to George.