Lady Audley’s Secret · Chapter
Little Georgey Leaves His Old Home explained
Robert Audley takes Georgey away from his grandfather, Mr.
What happens
Robert Audley takes Georgey away from his grandfather, Mr. Maldon, after confronting the old man about the lie he told regarding George Talboys's departure. Robert reveals that George never sailed for Australia and that he knows the telegraphic message was dictated to Maldon. The chapter ends with Georgey being sent to school in Southampton.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Robert Audley confronts Mr. Maldon about the lie he told regarding George Talboys's departure, revealing the web of deception surrounding the disappearance.
Justice and Morality
Robert takes a moral stand by removing Georgey from his grandfather's care and seeking the truth about George Talboys's fate.
Characters to notice
- Robert Audley
Confronts Mr. Maldon about the lie regarding George Talboys's departure and takes Georgey away to send him to school.
- Georgey
The child who is taken away from his grandfather by Robert Audley; he prattles about his grandfather's behavior and is sent to school.
- Mr. Maldon
Georgey's grandfather, who is confronted by Robert about the lie he told regarding George Talboys; he shows great distress and terror at the suggestion that George is dead.
- Mrs. Plowson
The landlady who looks after Georgey and tries to comfort Mr. Maldon; she reacts to the news of George Talboys's death.
Key passages
“My gran'pa says when he takes my watch that he does it to keep the wolf from the door.”
Georgey explains that his grandfather pawns his watch to stave off poverty.
Illustrates the financial desperation of Mr. Maldon and the child's naive understanding of it.
“The lie you told me on the 8th of last September was dictated to you by the telegraphic message which you received on that day.”
Robert accuses Mr. Maldon of lying about George Talboys's departure, saying the lie was prompted by a telegram.
Key moment in the investigation, revealing the conspiracy to conceal George's fate.
“Not dead—anything but dead! Hidden away, perhaps—bribed to keep out of the way, perhaps; but not dead—not dead—not dead!”
Mr. Maldon desperately insists that George Talboys might be hidden or bribed, but not dead.
Shows Maldon's terror and hints at the possibility that George is still alive.