Lady Audley’s Secret · Chapter
X: Missing explained
Robert Audley becomes increasingly anxious when his friend George Talboys disappears after visiting Audley Court.
What happens
Robert Audley becomes increasingly anxious when his friend George Talboys disappears after visiting Audley Court. He searches the village, questions the railway clerk, and learns that a man matching George's description took a train to London. Robert decides to stay for dinner at the Court, suspecting George has returned to London in a gloomy mood.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
George's sudden disappearance and the lack of explanation hint at hidden motives and secrets.
Identity and Self
Robert's uncharacteristic anxiety and fast walking reveal a shift in his usual indolent identity.
Characters to notice
- Robert Audley
Grows flurried and anxious about his missing friend, walking fast and investigating at the railway station.
- George Talboys
Missing since visiting Audley Court at two o'clock; believed to have taken a train to London.
- Sir Michael Audley
Sends a dinner invitation to Robert and George; his servant confirms George's visit.
- Lady Audley
Mentioned as Sir Michael's young wife; Robert plans to make her acquaintance.
Key passages
“If anyone had ventured to tell Mr. Robert Audley that he could possibly feel a strong attachment to any creature breathing, that cynical gentleman would have elevated his eyebrows in supreme contempt at the preposterous notion.”
Robert Audley would have scoffed at the idea that he could care deeply for anyone.
Highlights Robert's self-image as detached and cynical, contrasting with his current worry.
“It's as clear as daylight; he's got one of his gloomy fits on him, and he's gone back to London without saying a word about it.”
Robert concludes that George has returned to London in a depressive mood without informing anyone.
Robert's attempt to rationalize George's disappearance, showing his reliance on familiar patterns.