# The Little Rift explained — The Venetians

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

## What happens

During the London season, Eve and Vansittart enjoy a whirlwind of social engagements. At a river lock, they encounter Signora Vivanti, an Italian singer who greets Vansittart with intimate familiarity, unsettling Eve and causing Vansittart to turn pale. Eve questions him about their acquaintance, and he offers evasive, half-truthful answers about meeting her in Italy years ago. Later, at Lady Hartley's party, Vansittart is disturbed to see Signora Vivanti perform, and even more troubled to see her in the company of Sefton, whom he distrusts. He feels a duty to warn Lisa about Sefton's character, but is also vexed by Eve's apparent interest in the singer. The chapter highlights the growing tension and mistrust between Eve and Vansittart, stemming from his hidden past.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Identity

Vansittart's hidden past with Lisa Vivanti creates a rift in his marriage. He is forced to lie and be evasive to protect his secret, while Eve's suspicions grow.

### Jealousy and Trust

Eve's jealousy is sparked by Lisa's familiar greeting to Vansittart. The incident erodes the trust between them, as Vansittart's explanations seem inadequate and his pallor betrays his anxiety.

## Character check-ins

### Eve Marchant

Eve is enjoying the London season but becomes suspicious and troubled after seeing Vansittart's reaction to Signora Vivanti. She questions him about their acquaintance, showing her growing distrust.

### Jack Vansittart

Vansittart is anxious and evasive when Eve questions him about his past with Signora Vivanti. He is also worried about Sefton's influence on Lisa and feels a sense of duty to warn her.

### Lisa Vivanti

Lisa, now a famous singer known as Signora Vivanti, encounters Vansittart and Eve on the river. Her familiar greeting to Vansittart creates a rift between the couple. She later performs at Lady Hartley's party.

### Mr. Sefton

Sefton is seen with Lisa Vivanti, which alarms Vansittart. He is also seen talking with Eve at the party, further irritating Vansittart.

### Maud Hartley

Maud, now Lady Hartley, hosts a party where Lisa Vivanti performs. She is part of the social circle that Eve and Vansittart move in.

## Key lines

> “That is the southern manner; an organ-grinder will do as much for you if you fling him a penny.”

Vansittart dismisses Lisa's enthusiastic greeting as a common Italian trait, comparing it to the exaggerated gratitude of a street musician.

_Vansittart attempts to downplay the significance of his encounter with Lisa, but his explanation is flimsy and fails to reassure Eve._

> He was ready to lie with an appalling recklessness if he could by so doing set up a barrier of falsehood between his wife and the true story of that night in Venice.

Vansittart is willing to lie recklessly to keep Eve from learning the truth about his past in Venice.

_This reveals the depth of Vansittart's desperation and the extent to which his secret past threatens his present happiness._

> It would be the act of a coward to stand aside and keep silence, while her reputation was being blighted by Sefton’s patronage.

Vansittart feels it is his duty to warn Lisa about Sefton's questionable character, even though it would be an unpleasant and risky conversation.

_Vansittart's sense of responsibility towards Lisa, stemming from his past actions, creates an internal conflict as he navigates his marriage and his guilt._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_venetians_se/chapters/xxiii-the-little-rift
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_venetians_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_venetians_se/chapters