Chapter 15

While I suspected Lily's aunt would not be pleased with the actions of Lily which placed her in such debt to begin with, I didn't expect her to refuse to help her niece.  She just abandoned her own flesh and blood in a bit of despair and debtors.

I felt almost as sickened as Lily when, instead of Selden coming to visit as he had promised, Rosedale came sauntering into her aunt's house to speak with Lily.  He is so cocky, and sure of himself; he has no doubt that Lily could never refuse the offer he was about to propose.  But then again, I suppose being filthy rich gives one a boost of self-confidence.  "'I've got the money...and what I want is the woman -- and I mean to have her too" (Wharton, 143).  His blunt proposal was all business.  He knows Lily does not love him, and most likely never will.  But she would be a trophy wife for him to show off, and he would be her financial salvation for life.  Surely there's no way she will accept!  However, Wharton's The House of Mirth already states on the back cover that it's a "tragic love story" of "failed love", so I probably shouldn't get my romantic hopes too high...

Why did Selden leave so suddenly?  Will he come back?  Will Lily see him again?