Lady Audley's Secret

Robert takes out the document he has drawn up concerning George’s disappearance, adding the results of his latest investigations. He then takes a group of keys out of his pockets and tries each one to see if it will unlock George’s trunk. The fifth key works and Robert mutters that there would be no need for anyone to break such a lock. Sorting through the myriad of objects, Robert fails to locate what he is looking for—the letters from George’s wife.

Putting the items away, Robert tries to take his mind off things by reading, but this is in vain. He starts pacing the room, asking himself whether he should continue with his investigations. Despite his agitation, he is filled with new determination.

Robert examines some books that he has removed from George’s case, including an annual that he leafs through in the hope of finding a scrap of valuable evidence. He finds a ring of hair similar in color to that which the landlady at Ventnor gave to George after Helen’s death; however, its texture is wavier. Robert is about the put the annual back when he notices two blank pages stuck together. Prying them apart, he finds an inscription in three parts.