The Cloven Foot · Chapter
VII: "A Little While Such Lips as Thine to Kiss" explained
Spring arrives at Hazlehurst, and John Treverton returns unexpectedly, staying with the Sampsons.
What happens
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. Celia Clare teases Laura about Treverton's attentions, while Edward Clare's jealousy is evident. Treverton leaves through the orchard, passing the mysterious door that had troubled him before, but he dismisses his suspicions about Laura.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Wealth
Eliza Sampson's anxiety about providing a suitable dinner for the heir of Hazlehurst highlights the social and economic divide between the gentry and the middle class.
Secrets and Deception
Treverton's lingering suspicion about the mysterious door in the orchard hints at hidden aspects of Laura's life, though he rationalizes it away.
Love and Marriage
Celia's teasing and Laura's cautious response reveal the social pressures and romantic expectations surrounding Laura's potential marriage to Treverton.
Characters to notice
- John Treverton
Returns to Hazlehurst unexpectedly; shows concern upon hearing of La Chicot's accident; leaves through the orchard, reflecting on the mysterious door.
- Laura Malcolm
Hosts tea with the Clares; directs Treverton through the orchard; demurely deflects Celia's teasing about Treverton.
- Celia Clare
Vivaciously discusses La Chicot's accident; teases Laura about Treverton's appearance and intentions; expresses preference for Edward but acknowledges his limitations.
- Edward Clare
Sneers at the conversation; described as effeminate and languid; shows jealousy as Treverton's rival.
- Eliza Sampson
Receives Treverton at the Sampsons' home; flustered by his arrival, she rearranges the dinner menu to accommodate him.
Key passages
““It’s very civil of you towards the parish to say as much,” said Edward with a veiled sneer, “and it is kind of you to shrink from wounding our feelings as aborigines, but I am sure you must have been ineffably bored.””
Edward sarcastically thanks Treverton for being polite about the parish, implying that Treverton must have found Hazlehurst dreadfully dull.
Edward's sneer reveals his resentment and jealousy toward Treverton.
““I think you are the most ridiculous girl in the world, Celia, to interest yourself in people who are as far off your groove as if they were the inhabitants of the moon.””
Edward scolds Celia for caring about a dancer like La Chicot, who belongs to a world completely different from theirs.
Edward's comment underscores the rigid class distinctions of the era.
““I’ll never believe that there was anything approaching guilt in that mystery,” he said to himself. “No, I have looked into those lovely eyes of hers, and I believe her incapable of an unworthy thought.””
Treverton reassures himself that Laura is innocent of any wrongdoing regarding the secret door, trusting her character completely.
This internal monologue shows Treverton's growing affection and his willful dismissal of suspicion.