I: The Heir Presumptive
The heir presumptive, traveling to his dying kinsman's estate, initially resentful of Laura Malcolm but later agrees to marry her.
Jasper Treverton's Will
The expectant heir, anxious for the inheritance and troubled by the marriage condition.
III: A Mysterious Visitor
Inspects the estate with Mr. Sampson, feels gloomy about the inheritance condition, walks with Laura, and discovers a mysterious visitor at the Manor House.
A Disappointed Lover
Discussed as the heir who must marry Laura to inherit; his past as a spendthrift ward in Chancery is revealed.
VII: "A Little While Such Lips as Thine to Kiss"
Returns to Hazlehurst unexpectedly; shows concern upon hearing of La Chicot's accident; leaves through the orchard, reflecting on the mysterious door.
IX: “And Art Thou Come! and Art Thou True!”
Returns to Hazlehurst after more than half a year, looking ill and careworn; confesses his love and proposes to Laura.
X: Engaged
Engaged to Laura Malcolm; experiences desperate happiness and hints at a dark past.
No Trousseau
Shows reverent affection toward Laura but grows increasingly thoughtful and melancholy as the wedding approaches; seems to court Celia's company.
XII: An Ill-Omened Wedding
Absent bridegroom; his letter confesses wrongdoing but professes love for Laura.
XIII: The Settlement
Returns to Hazlehurst to sign the marriage settlement, giving all his property to Laura. His pale, haggard appearance startles Sampson.
XIX: “To a Deep Lawny Dell They Came”
John confesses his past Scotch marriage to Laura and proposes a secret second marriage in Camelot to secure their union.
The Church Near Camelot
John returns from Buenos Aires, meets Laura at Plymouth, and arranges a second marriage ceremony at Camelot to ensure its legality.
XXI: Halcyon Days
Returns to Hazlehurst Manor with Laura, overjoyed and transformed by marriage; engages in estate improvements and social duties.
A Village Iago
John participates in the dinner conversation about the Chicot murder and later reveals his talent for caricature, but becomes grave when Chicot is mentioned.
XXIII: “In the Meanwhile the Skies ’Gan Rumble Sore”
Has given up caricature and now paints an ideal portrait of his wife; manages the estate and enjoys a happy first year of marriage.
XXIV: “And Purple Light Shone Over All”
John is ill with a low fever, confined to his room, but takes an interest in Laura's party plans and is lovingly nursed by her.
XXVI: A Disinterested Parent
John listens to Laura's confession, agrees to provide Desrolles with an allowance, and is blackmailed by Desrolles regarding his past as Jack Chicot.
XXVII: Desrolles Is Not Communicative
John is the subject of the dispute: Edward suspects he is Chicot, while Desrolles denies it. Desrolles privately acknowledges the bigamous implications of John's marriage to Laura.
Edward Clare Goes on a Voyage of Discovery
Recovering from illness, he casually mentions having been photographed by Nadar in Paris years ago.
George Gerard
Recovered from his injury, he rides with Laura at the New Year's Day hunt, aiming to restore the hunting traditions of his great uncle.
XXX: Thou Art the Man
Attends church with his wife; acknowledges his past to Gerard and appeals to his honor to keep it secret.
XXXI: Why Don’t You Trust Me?
Confesses his identity as Chicot and his past life, including his marriage to Zaïre Chicot and the suspicion of murder.
On His Defence
Confesses to bigamy and fraud but denies murder; expresses willingness to surrender the estate.
At the Morgue
Sits in his study at midnight, tormented by guilt and memories of his past with Zaïre.
On a Voyage of Discovery
Travels to Auray with Sampson to investigate his first marriage; writes a consoling letter to Laura.
XXXVI: Kergariou's Wife
Discovers that La Chicot was married to Jean Kergariou, confirming his second marriage is valid; sends a telegram to Laura.
The Tenant from Beechampton
Away in Paris seeking proof of Jean Kergariou's identity. Laura anxiously awaits his return and fears the murder suspicion will follow him forever.
Celia's Lovers
Writes to Laura from Paris, detailing his discoveries at Auray and his plan to return home.
On Suspicion
John is arrested for the murder of La Chicot and taken to the House of Detention in London. He faces the charge with apparent calm, though he bitterly regrets not confronting the suspicion earlier.
Mr. Leopold Asks Irrelevant Questions
The accused, being questioned by his lawyer about the murder of his wife.
Mrs. Evitt Makes a Revelation
The accused, who listens to the news of Desrolles's guilt but remains reticent about providing further information.
XLII: The Undertaker's Evidence
Comforts Laura and devises the plan to investigate Desrolles' story.
An Old Lady's Diary
Laura's husband, currently in the House of Detention; Laura's interview with him was comforting.
XLIV: Three Witnesses
Appears before the magistrate; is discharged after new evidence emerges.
XLV: The Hunt for Desrolles
John Treverton's arrest is reported in an English newspaper, causing Desrolles to fear for his own safety and annuity.
Epilogue
Returns to Hazlehurst Manor with Laura; becomes a father to a son; gives George Gerard a medical practice.
