# An Old Lady's Diary explained — The Cloven Foot

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

## What happens

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 Malcolm and was with him at his death. Laura copies the address of Captain Desmond's lodgings, hoping to trace the man who may be Desrolles.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrets and Deception

Laura seeks to uncover the truth about her father's past and the mysterious Captain Desmond, who may be connected to Desrolles.

### Inheritance and Legitimacy

Laura's financial independence from a deed of trust and her marriage to the inheritor of her benefactor's estate are discussed.

### Provincial vs. Urban Life

The contrast between Laura's childhood at the cottage in Chiswick and the oppressive, monumental atmosphere of her aunt's London house is highlighted.

## Character check-ins

### Laura Malcolm

Visits her aunt to investigate her father's past and copies Captain Desmond's address from the diary.

### Miss Malcolm

Laura's aunt, a methodical diarist who provides information about Stephen Malcolm's friend Captain Desmond.

### Stephen Malcolm

Laura's deceased father; his past association with Captain Desmond is discussed.

### Captain Desmond

A friend of Stephen Malcolm who was with him at his death; his address is recorded in Mrs. Malcolm's diary.

### Mr. Leopold

John Treverton's lawyer, mentioned as being in good spirits about the case.

### John Treverton

Laura's husband, currently in the House of Detention; Laura's interview with him was comforting.

## Key lines

> A man of that age and of those habits doesn’t go far

Mr. Leopold expresses confidence that Desrolles will be found because of his age and predictable habits.

_Reflects Victorian assumptions about criminal behavior and detection._

> I have always felt I was doing a useful act in keeping a diary, my dear. I am not surprised to find this humble record of inestimable value

Mrs. Malcolm takes pride in her diary-keeping, seeing it as a valuable historical record.

_Highlights the Victorian practice of diary-keeping and its perceived importance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xliii-an-old-lady-s-diary
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters