Lady Audley’s Secret · Chapter
XXVII: Beginning at the Other End explained
Robert Audley, having discovered a link between Lucy Graham and Helen Talboys, decides to investigate Helen Talboys' history from the time of George's departure.
What happens
Robert Audley, having discovered a link between Lucy Graham and Helen Talboys, decides to investigate Helen Talboys' history from the time of George's departure. He writes to Clara Talboys for the name of the seaport town where George met Helen, receives the answer 'Wildernsea,' and travels there. He interviews Mrs. Barkamb, who provides letters from Captain Maldon and Helen Talboys dated August 16, 1854, showing Helen left abruptly, leaving her child. Robert notes that Helen's departure closely precedes Lucy Graham's arrival at Mrs. Vincent's school, strengthening the circumstantial evidence.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Robert uncovers the concealed link between Helen Talboys and Lucy Graham, revealing a hidden identity.
Identity and Self
Helen Talboys' letter speaks of seeking a new life and a new fortune, suggesting a transformation of identity.
Appearance vs. Reality
The apparent death of Helen Talboys contrasts with the reality of her continued existence as Lady Audley.
Characters to notice
- Robert Audley
Investigates Helen Talboys' past; travels to Wildernsea; obtains letters from Mrs. Barkamb.
- Clara Talboys
Robert writes to her for information about George's marriage; she telegraphs the name 'Wildernsea.'
- George Talboys
His brief married life is referenced; Robert recalls George's silence about his past.
- Helen Talboys
Her letter to her father is discovered; she left Wildernsea abruptly on August 16, 1854.
- Mr. Maldon
Captain Maldon wrote to Mrs. Barkamb about Helen's departure; his letter is dated August 16, 1854.
- Georgey
Helen left her little boy at nurse in Wildernsea when she departed.
- Miss Tonks
Mentioned as having stated Lucy Graham entered the school on August 17 or 18, 1854.
- Mrs. Barkamb
Provides Robert with the letters from Captain Maldon and Helen Talboys.
Key passages
“I have that in my pocketbook which forms the connecting link between the woman whose death George Talboys read of in the Times newspaper and the woman who rules in my uncle's house.”
Robert realizes he possesses evidence that ties the woman reported dead in the newspaper to Lady Audley.
Robert reflects on the crucial evidence linking Helen Talboys' supposed death to Lady Audley.
“I must begin at the other end, and discover the history of Helen Talboys from the hour of George's departure until the day of the funeral in the churchyard at Ventnor.”
Robert decides to investigate Helen Talboys' life from George's departure to her reported funeral.
Robert resolves to trace Helen Talboys' movements to uncover the truth.
“You know the secret which is the key to my life.”
Helen implies that the recipient knows a hidden truth that explains her behavior.
Helen's letter hints at a secret that motivates her actions.
