The House of Mirth Book 2 Chapters 7-8

In chapters 7 and 8 of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, Lily is forced to move further and further downward on the social ladder. Wharton writes "Society did not turn away from her, it simply drifted by, preoccupied and inattentive, letting her feel, to the full measure of her humbled pride, how completely she had been the creature of it's favour." (Wharton 212)While in the beginning of the story, Lily would not even give Rosedale the time of day, she is now so bad off that she has to propose herself marriage to Rosedale. Oh how the great have fallen. I find it funny that Lily gives this man that she loathes so much an opportunity for marriage. What's even funnier is that he refuses her. It looks like Lily's out of options. Her life has gotten harder, and harder. It then seems that she and Selden might get back together, but when he rips up the paper, it seems even that path is no blocked off. I have no idea where the Lily Barton story may go from here, but I have a feeling she will not be able to go back to the rich life she is accustomed to. Our story may take a dramatic shift, if Lily cannot get her finances in order. I am curious as to what direction the story may turn.