The House of Mirth
by Edith Wharton
Book Two: chapter III

"Selden tried to achieve the same view by telling himself that her opportunities for observation had been ampler than his own." The tone of this statement conveys a sense that he doesn't believe that everything will be alright. Through Selden's doubts, Wharton warns the reader that a new problem will appear for Lily. At dinner with the Duchess and the Dorsets, Selden's doubts are proved well-founded. Mrs. Dorset refuses to let Lily stay with them on the yacht and Lily is forced to find shelter with her cousin, Jack Stepney. Another warning of Bertha Dorset's betrayal was Lily's confusion regarding her attitude toward Mr. Dorset. Lily offered help to Bertha but she just ignored the situation with her husband. In addition, Bertha lectured Lily in front of her friends about the inprudence of being out with Mr. Dorset late at night when she knew that nothing happened. It was even Bertha's fault that they had been alone together.

All of these instances contribute to the reader's growing sense that something bad will happen to Lily. It also creates a sense of suspense and antisipation. When Bertha finally kicks Lily off the yacht the reader is surprised and shocked.