# XV: “Love Should Be Absolute Love” explained — The Venetians

> Chapter companion for The Venetians by M. E. Braddon.

## What happens

Vansittart, after encountering Sefton on the Embankment, is deeply unsettled by the meeting and reflects on the danger of his alias and his relationship with Fiordelisa. He resolves to narrow his ties with the Venetians while fulfilling his promises. At a family dinner, Colonel Marchant is present, and Eve discusses her frugality and her father's neglect. Later, at a party, Sefton reveals to Vansittart and his mother a story implicating Eve's brother Harold in a fatal brawl in Venice, suggesting he fled and assumed a false identity. Vansittart fiercely defends Eve, insisting his love is absolute and he will marry her regardless of her brother's actions. He extracts a promise from Sefton not to tell Eve, and the chapter ends with Vansittart tormented by the revelation, haunted by the memory of the fatal incident.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Vansittart's declaration that he would marry Eve even if her brother were a felon underscores the theme of unconditional love and personal sacrifice.

### Secrecy and Identity

Vansittart's use of the alias 'Smith' and the hidden past of Harold Marchant highlight the theme of concealed identity and its consequences.

### Guilt and Redemption

The revelation of Harold's alleged crime and Vansittart's internal torment reflect the theme of guilt and the possibility of redemption through love.

## Character check-ins

### Jack Vansittart

Torn between his love for Eve and the shocking revelation about her brother; he resolves to protect her and maintain his engagement despite his mother's objections.

### Eve Marchant

Shown as frugal and loving, unaware of the dark secret about her brother; her happiness contrasts with Vansittart's inner turmoil.

### Wilfred Sefton

Reveals the story of Harold Marchant's alleged crime, acting as the bearer of troubling news; he questions Vansittart's wisdom but promises secrecy.

### Maud Hartley

Mentioned as generous and kind, dressing exquisitely but not extravagant, and remembered for her childhood charity.

### Lisa Vivanti

Accompanies Vansittart on the Embankment; her presence triggers his anxiety about being recognized and his alias.

### Mrs. Vansittart

Expresses horror at the story and urges her son to reconsider the marriage, but is met with his firm defiance.

## Key lines

> He had a deep-rooted distrust of Wilfred Sefton, which led him to anticipate evil.

Vansittart's inherent suspicion of Sefton made him expect trouble.

_Highlights Vansittart's unease and foreshadows Sefton's later revelation._

> I say again, the man who struck that unlucky blow was no murderer. The word is a lying word applied to him.

Vansittart insists that Harold is not a murderer, rejecting the label as false.

_Shows Vansittart's defense of Eve's brother and his emotional investment._

> She is the only woman in my world.

Eve is the sole focus of Vansittart's affection and commitment.

_Emphasizes the theme of absolute love._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_venetians_se/chapters/xv-love-should-be-absolute-love
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_venetians_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_venetians_se/chapters