Mirth Book 2 Parts III and IV

Since the start of Book 2 in The House of Mirth, Selden has shown a much more indifferent feeling toward Lily. For example, Selden worries for her as a friend and not a possible lover such as when Wharton writes: "There was nothing specific in this apprehension; he merely wished to spare her the embarrassment of being ever so remotely connected with the public washing of the Dorset linen (169)." I do not understand Selden's reasons for this change in attitude toward  Lily. However, this seems to have repaired Gerty's friendship with Lily.

Can I say that I definitely called Mrs. Peniston dying? I was wrong about Lily's inheritance though. It seems that yet another quarrel has arisen between Lily and Grace Stepney. I think that Grace will become the new antagonist until Lily finds herself in another problem while resolving her current ones. Lily's obsession with money seems to lead her to an endless amount of problems. Yet, Lily can only attribute her obsession to her upbringing. Hopefully, this novel ends with her realization that her life is not about becoming wealthy so that she can finally marry for love which will hopefully be the often mistreated Selden.