Book 1: Chapter 1 Summary

The House of Mirth, set in New York City in the first decade of the twentieth century, is a novel about high society, and about women's role within that society. It tells the story of one woman's life in particular, Miss. Lily Bart, who we meet in the first chapter at Grand Central Station. She is waiting for a train that will take her to one of her many social engagements, when she happens to spot an old friend in the crowd, Mr. Lawrence Selden. She is happy to see him, and calls out to him. He has a very evident admiration of her, and is more than happy to oblige her request that they have tea together somewhere while she waits for her train.

Mr. Selden suggests a popular nearby cafe, but Miss. Bart, ever mindful of the "appearances" that...