# XIV: “You Have but to Say the Word” explained — The Cloven Foot

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

## What happens

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 heavily. George Gerard occasionally reproaches her, but she continues her self-destructive path, indifferent to the future.

## Themes in this chapter

### Bohemianism vs. Respectability

La Chicot's reckless, bohemian lifestyle contrasts with the offers of a respectable house in Mayfair from Lemuel.

### Secrets and Deception

Desrolles secretly works for Lemuel while pretending to be a disinterested friend to La Chicot.

### Gender and Moral Agency

La Chicot asserts her independence and pride, yet is trapped by her marriage and societal expectations of women.

## Character check-ins

### La Chicot

Drinks heavily, dismisses her husband and suitor, and lives defiantly despite Gerard's warnings.

### Mr. Desrolles

Acts as intermediary for Joseph Lemuel, feigns friendship with La Chicot while being paid to plead Lemuel's case.

### Chicot

Jack Chicot is an absent, wandering husband; his marriage to La Chicot is nominal and strained.

### George Gerard

Visits La Chicot to reproach her drinking, having saved her life; he is pained by her decline.

### Joseph Lemuel

Wealthy admirer of La Chicot, sending letters and gifts; Desrolles is paid to advocate for him.

### Mr. Smolendo

Theatrical manager who tolerates La Chicot's drinking as long as she draws audiences.

## Key lines

> You have but to say the word.

You only need to give your consent.

_Desrolles urges La Chicot to accept Lemuel's offer of a house and wealth._

> Brandy is a slow suicide, but for a woman of your temperament it’s as certain as prussic acid.

Drinking brandy will kill you slowly, but just as surely as poison.

_George Gerard warns La Chicot about her drinking._

> I am an honest woman. And then, I am too proud.

I am virtuous and too proud to become a kept woman.

_La Chicot rejects Lemuel's proposal, asserting her moral stance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xiv-you-have-but-to-say-the-word
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters