# At the Morgue explained — The Cloven Foot

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

## What happens

John Treverton, unable to sleep, reflects on his past life and his marriage to Zaïre Chicot. He recalls a disturbing incident in Paris where they witnessed a dead man being taken to the Morgue; Zaïre's extreme reaction suggests a hidden connection to the deceased.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrets and Deception

John Treverton's hidden past with Zaïre Chicot and the mysterious connection between Zaïre and the dead man at the Morgue.

### Bohemianism vs. Respectability

John's internal conflict between his former Bohemian life as Jack Chicot and his current respectable identity as master of Hazlehurst Manor.

### Love and Marriage

John's remorse over his marriage to Zaïre, contrasting with his devotion to Laura.

## Character check-ins

### John Treverton

Sits in his study at midnight, tormented by guilt and memories of his past with Zaïre.

### Laura Malcolm

Asleep in the bedroom, having sobbed herself to exhaustion; John kisses her tear-stained cheek.

### La Chicot

Recalled in John's memory: her past in Paris, her rise as a dancer, and her hysterical reaction at the Morgue.

### Zaïre Chicot

The same as La Chicot; John remembers her telling him about her journey to Paris and her career.

## Key lines

> My sins have fallen heavily upon you, my poor girl

John acknowledges that his past mistakes have caused Laura great suffering.

_Reflects John's guilt and sense of responsibility for the pain his secrets have caused._

> I never had a friend in Brittany for whom I cared that

Zaïre claims she had no meaningful relationships in her hometown.

_Highlights Zaïre's cold, self-centered nature and her detachment from her past._

> Don't let me see him! ... You are holding me against the glass—you are forcing me to look at him.

Zaïre, in a nightmare, pleads with John to stop making her look at the dead man.

_Suggests a traumatic personal connection between Zaïre and the deceased sailor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxxiii-at-the-morgue
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters