# XXIII: “In the Meanwhile the Skies ’Gan Rumble Sore” explained — The Cloven Foot > Chapter companion for The Cloven Foot by M. E. Braddon. ## What happens John Treverton has given up caricature and now paints an ideal portrait of his wife, while managing the estate. The first year of marriage is blissful, and the couple looks forward to the birth of a child. At the Vicarage, Edward Clare feigns contentment but harbors a deadly secret about John's past, which he hints to Celia, suggesting that John's seven unaccounted years make him a scoundrel. Celia is alarmed, and Edward resolves to watch and wait for an explosion that will destroy the Manor House. ## Themes in this chapter ### Secrets and Deception Edward Clare harbors a deadly secret about John Treverton's past, and hints at deception regarding John's seven unaccounted years. ### Love and Marriage John and Laura enjoy a blissful first year of marriage, with the prospect of a child, while Edward's hidden resentment threatens their happiness. ### Provincial vs. Urban Life Edward contrasts the dull but familiar Devonshire village life with the smoke-tainted, greedy streets of London, finding comfort in being 'somebody' in the country. ## Character check-ins ### John Treverton Has given up caricature and now paints an ideal portrait of his wife; manages the estate and enjoys a happy first year of marriage. ### Laura Malcolm Is the subject of John's portrait; shares in the blissful first year of marriage and anticipates the birth of a child. ### Edward Clare Feigns contentment at the Vicarage but secretly harbors a deadly secret about John's past; hints to Celia that John is a scoundrel and plans to watch and wait. ### Celia Clare Beguiled into believing Edward is cured of his attachment to Laura; becomes alarmed by Edward's hints and fears an impending disaster. ### Jasper Treverton Mentioned as having increased the estate during his long life but was reluctant to spend money on it. ## Key lines > He had many pleasant labours and occupations at this period of his life. The farm, the hunting field, the business details of a large property... John Treverton was busy and happy managing the estate, farming, and hunting. _Describes John's contented daily life after marriage._ > Edward had contrived to make himself particularly agreeable since his return to the family roof tree. He was less cynical than of old; less apt to rail against fate... Edward Clare acted more pleasant and less bitter after coming home. _Shows Edward's superficial change in demeanor._ > He wanted to do John Treverton deadly harm; and yet he knew that the worst he could do to his rival would bring about no good result to himself. Edward wished to destroy John Treverton but realized it would not benefit him. _Reveals Edward's vengeful but self-defeating intentions._ > There will be an explosion some day, Celia, depend upon it; an explosion that will blow up the Manor House as surely as Kirk o’ Field was blown up the night Darnley was slain. Edward predicts a catastrophic revelation that will destroy the Manor House, comparing it to the murder of Lord Darnley. _Edward's dramatic foreshadowing of disaster._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxiii-in-the-meanwhile-the-skies-gan-rumble-sore - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters