House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
In this section of the novel, there is a development in character relationships between Gerty Farish and Lily Bart. Specifically after Lily meets with Gus Trenor she becomes upset and asks to stay with Gerty for the night. There Gerty and Lily begin to become friends. Lily even aids Gerty in her philanthropy where Lily learns what true poverty is. This chapter marks a drastic change in Lily, a change that made Lily "a stranger to herself, or rather there were two selves in her, the one she had always known, and a new abhorrent being to which it found itself chained" (Wharton, 120).
In chapter 14, Selden is realizing that despite his reservations about loving someone who obsesses over money, his love for Lily is not subsiding. Selden's love for Lily is recognized by Gerty, who becomes jealous. After having dinner with Gerty, Selden goes to Carrie Fisher's house to find Lily, however, Lily had already left for the Trenor house. When Selden arrives there, he finds that Lily and Trenor were walking outside. Selden now believes that Trenor and Lily are truly having an affair. All the while, Gerty suspects that Selden and Lily are in an affair. Lily appears at Gerty's house and confesses that she is in need of money and that her situation is desperate. Gerty allows Lily to stay the night.
This section of the book is focused upon the development of the relationship between Gerty and Lily. Despite jealousy and differences, this unlikely friendship begins to build. Lily's gambling and dealing are now beginning to catch up with her, which will lead to future conflict.
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