# XIX: “To a Deep Lawny Dell They Came” explained — The Cloven Foot

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

## What happens

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 remote location to secure their union. Laura agrees, trusting him, though she struggles with doubt. The chapter explores her love, patience, and the weight of secrecy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrets and Deception

John's confession of a past Scotch marriage and the plan for a secret second marriage highlight themes of hidden truths and deception.

### Love and Marriage

Laura's unwavering love and willingness to undergo a second marriage underscore the complexities of love and marital bonds.

### Gender and Moral Agency

Laura's agency in forgiving John and agreeing to the secret marriage reflects her moral strength within societal constraints.

## Character check-ins

### Laura Malcolm

Laura is hopeful yet troubled, managing the estate and awaiting John's return. She agrees to a second marriage after his confession.

### John Treverton

John confesses his past Scotch marriage to Laura and proposes a secret second marriage in Camelot to secure their union.

### Celia Clare

Celia is critical of John and expresses indignation at his absence, contrasting with Laura's hopefulness.

## Key lines

> I got myself entrapped into a Scotch marriage. You have heard of the peculiarities of the marriage law in Scotland.

John explains that he was tricked into an irregular marriage under Scottish law.

_John reveals the legal loophole that entangled him._

> Let it be as if it had never been. The second marriage which I ask for is a precautionary act—needless, perhaps—but it will make me feel more secure in my happiness.

John asks Laura to forget his past and agrees to a second wedding for reassurance.

_John seeks to erase his past mistake through a new ceremony._

> I must have been dreadfully weak-minded, for I really think I fell in love with him at first sight.

Laura reflects that she likely fell in love with John the moment she saw him.

_Laura acknowledges her immediate attraction to John._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xix-to-a-deep-lawny-dell-they-came
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters