The House of Mirth: Book 2 Chapter 8

In this part of The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, I realized what a good moral person Gerty Ferish is. Even after all of the stupid things that Lily has done, Gerty has always been there to support her and help her out. In this particular chapter after talking to Lily and seeing how sick and not well she is, she tells her truthfully. If you recall, in chapter one Lily told Seldon that she had always wanted a friend who would tell her unpleasant things once in a while. Gerty was telling Lily how sick and tired she looked all the time and although Lily took it as an offense, it was what Lily wanted in the beginning (a true friend). Gerty was able to talk to Selden and tell him that it would be best if he helped Lily. He was the only one that could help her, she said. Gerty was trying to be a good friend even if Lily did not approve of what she was doing. Lily was better off with friends like her than with Bertha Dorset. That lady is evil! Gerty was nothing like Bertha and it made me feel content to know that someone was actually looking out for poor old Lily. You go Gerty!