# XII: Still Missing explained — Lady Audley’s Secret

> Chapter companion for Lady Audley’s Secret by M. E. Braddon.

## What happens

Robert Audley, increasingly anxious about George Talboys's disappearance, travels to Southampton to seek information from George's father-in-law, Mr. Maldon. He learns that George visited briefly the previous night, kissed his sleeping son, and left for Liverpool to sail to Australia. Robert returns to his chambers, finding no sign of George, and later discovers a partially burned telegraphic dispatch confirming George's departure. Suspicious and unsettled, Robert resolves to go to Liverpool to investigate further.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Deception

George's sudden departure and the cryptic telegram suggest hidden motives and deliberate concealment, deepening the mystery.

### Identity and Self

George's transformation from a grieving widower to a man fleeing the world raises questions about his true state of mind and identity.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Audley

Robert is deeply troubled by George's disappearance and takes active steps to investigate, traveling to Southampton and later finding a cryptic telegram.

### George Talboys

George is reported to have visited his son briefly before departing for Liverpool to sail to Australia, but his actions remain mysterious and out of character.

### Mr. Maldon

George's father-in-law, who provides Robert with information about George's visit but appears evasive and financially strained, having pawned Georgey's watch.

### Georgey

George's young son, who was kissed in his sleep by his father and mentions a 'pretty lady' who gave him a gold watch, hinting at past connections.

### Mrs. Maloney

The laundress who confirms that George has not returned to the chambers, adding to Robert's unease.

## Key lines

> What can be the meaning of all this? What could be his motive for leaving England in this manner, without a word to me, his most intimate friend—without even a change of clothes; for he has left everything at my chambers? It is the most extraordinary proceeding!

Robert is baffled and hurt that George would leave England so abruptly, without informing his closest friend or taking any belongings.

_This highlights Robert's confusion and the unusual nature of George's actions._

> My God! what is the meaning of this? I shall go to Liverpool tonight, and make inquiries there!

Upon finding the burned telegram, Robert is shocked and resolves to travel to Liverpool to uncover the truth.

_This marks a turning point where Robert's passive concern becomes active investigation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xii-still-missing
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters