Book 2: Chapter 12 Summary

Lily goes up to Selden's apartment. It is as she remembers it the day she came to visit while waiting for the train, two years ago. Her first words are an apology for the awkwardness of their parting the last time he came to visit her. He also apologizes, and she begins to cry, suddenly confused by her reason for being there. She feels that her presence is becoming embarrassing to him, and she tells him she must go. Before leaving, she tells him that she will always remember their conversation at Bellomont, and that he has helped her unknowingly through difficult times. She confesses that she realized too late that she loved him, but is helped by the knowledge of what might have been. She tells him she will marry, and asks if she could leave the old Lily Bart...