# XVII: “She Was More Fair Than Words Can Say” explained — The Venetians

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

## What happens

In this chapter, the engagement between Vansittart and Eve Marchant is in full bloom, with the couple enjoying the serene happiness of their seven-week engagement. Eve receives a lavish sapphire crescent brooch from Mr. Sefton, a man she dislikes, and is initially horrified, wanting to return it. Vansittart advises her to keep it to avoid offending Sefton, who is a neighbor of his sister, Lady Hartley. The chapter explores the couple's deep affection, Eve's insecurities about her social standing, and the subtle tensions that arise from the unwanted gift.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Marriage

Eve's discomfort with Mr. Sefton's gift highlights the social hierarchies and the delicate etiquette surrounding marriage and class in Victorian society.

### Love and Sacrifice

Vansittart's advice to Eve to keep the gift, despite his own disgust, demonstrates his willingness to make personal sacrifices for the sake of social harmony and his love for Eve.

## Character check-ins

### Eve Marchant

Eve is enjoying her engagement but is troubled by a lavish gift from Mr. Sefton, which she finds humiliating and wants to return.

### Jack Vansittart

Vansittart is deeply in love with Eve and advises her to keep Sefton's gift to avoid offending him, showing his diplomatic nature.

### Mr. Sefton

Mr. Sefton sends Eve a costly sapphire crescent as a wedding gift, an act that embarrasses both Eve and Vansittart.

### Hetty

Hetty is excited about the gift and defends Mr. Sefton's gesture, showing her more naive and materialistic perspective.

### Peggy

Peggy is curious about the gift and joins Hetty in speculating about its sender, showing her youthful enthusiasm.

## Key lines

> “They could not have refused you. No one could. To know you is to adore you. Come, Jack, you have been talking rodomontade to me. It is my turn now. You are not extraordinarily handsome. I suppose, as a sober matter of fact, Mr. Sefton is handsomer. Don’t wince at the sound of his name. You know I have always detested him. I doubt if you are even exceptionally clever⁠—but you have a kind of charm⁠—you creep into a girl’s heart unawares. I pity the woman who loved you, and whom you did not love.”

Eve tells Vansittart that while he may not be the most handsome or clever man, he has a unique charm that makes him irresistible, and she feels sorry for any woman who loves him without being loved back.

_This quote reveals Eve's deep affection for Vansittart and her awareness of his subtle appeal, while also hinting at the pain of unrequited love._

> “Pray, pray don’t spoil me,” cried Eve. “You make me feel so horribly selfish. You load me with gifts, and you say you are not rich. You are ruining yourself for me.”

Eve protests against Vansittart's lavish gifts, feeling guilty that he is spending so much on her despite claiming not to be wealthy.

_This quote illustrates Eve's considerate nature and her concern for Vansittart's financial well-being, highlighting the theme of sacrifice in their relationship._

> “From Mr. Sefton, with all best wishes.” Eve dropped the brooch as if it had stung her. “From him?” she cried. “How horrid!”

When Eve discovers the sapphire crescent is from Mr. Sefton, she is shocked and disgusted, dropping it as if it were a poisonous object.

_This moment underscores Eve's strong dislike for Mr. Sefton and her discomfort at being obligated to him, even through a gift._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_venetians_se/chapters/xvii-she-was-more-fair-than-words-can-say
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_venetians_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_venetians_se/chapters