The House of Mirth: Book 2 Chapter 1

As the second book begins in The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, Lily and Seldon are now both in Europe. Selden for business and Lily is on the cruise with the Dorsets. I believe this is fate. Seldon and Lily always end up together. Seldon has tried to go on this trip without thinking about her and when he finds out that Lily is where he is, he realized that he really does love her. Seldon felt " the latent ache, and realised that after all he had not come off unhurt" (Wharton, 150). This shows that Seldon felt a comprehension of his feelings for Lily. Although this is true, Seldon finds that Lily "was on the edge of something...on the brinks of chasm..." (Wharton, 155). Whatever that means, Seldon sees that Lily is not doing so hot. Maybe she needs him or maybe something if going to happen to her. I do not know, but Lily does need help with finding new friends who do not betray her all the time.