Volume I, Chapters IV - VI Summary

IV - The First Page of the "Times"

Braddon uses each of the beginning chapters to introduce a new character, this time it is Sir Michael Audley's nephew, Robert Audley. Robert's desire to move through life as easily and effortlessly as possible becomes his dominating characteristic. His personality makes him pleasant company, but he obviously prefers to avoid strife. By coincidence, he runs into his old friend, George Talboys, who tells him the tale of his adventures in Australia and his overwhelming need to contact his wife, Helen. Robert accompanies George to the coffee house where George expects to find a letter from Helen detailing her whereabouts. There is no letter. Worse, the newspaper, "The Times" lists an obituary for Helen Talboys, age twenty-two. George's wife has died while George was in Australia...