Chapters 1-2 Book II

"What the deuce am I running away from?" (Wharton, 153).  I actually laughed out loud when I read Selden's response to his actions when he was informed of Lily's presence in his area of Europe.  And honestly, that's saying something, considering this novel isn't exactly a comedy. 

I thought it was interesting how differently Lily's change of personality was perceived between Mrs. Fisher and Selden.  At seeing Lily for the first time in nearly three months, Mrs. Fisher thought she looked more gorgeous than ever, and completely recovered from any stress that had plagued her in America.  Selden, however, who always seems to see Lily for who and what she really is, sees her quite differently than Mrs. Fisher.  He felt that the only thing that had changed about his Lily was that she had hardened herself to the world.  She had put on a face and act of complete perfection and poise in order to protect and preserve herself.  Selden did not see that as an improvement.

I knew that Bertha Dorset had always been a flirt and not very interested in her husband, but I still couldn't believe it when it was implied that she was cheating on her spouse!  It seems that, even in those seemingly blissful times, marriages were just as likely to, and capable of, falling apart.  Bertha is clearly dangerous, and for some reason she has it out for Lily, who she pretty much made go on the trip with them anyway!  Mrs. Dorset seems to blame Lily for the way things have turned out with her marriage, and I feel like she will find a way to ruin Lily once and for all.