# XXV: “And Every Gentle Passion Sick to Death” explained — The Venetians

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

## What happens

Mr. Sefton confronts Lisa about her lover, revealing his obsessive passion and her rejection. Meanwhile, Eve's jealousy over a letter from Lisa leads to a tense confrontation with her husband Jack, who destroys the letter. Sefton later observes Eve's distress at a luncheon, sowing suspicion in Sophy's mind.

## Themes in this chapter

### Jealousy and Trust

Eve's irrational jealousy over a letter strains her marriage, while Sefton's jealousy over Lisa's lover drives his obsessive behavior.

### Secrecy and Identity

Vansittart hides the truth about his past with Lisa, and Eve's suspicions threaten to uncover it.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Sefton

Confronts Lisa about her lover, revealing his obsessive passion and jealousy.

### Lisa Vivanti

Defends herself against Sefton's accusations, declaring she will never love him.

### Eve Marchant

Rages with jealousy over a letter from Lisa, confronting her husband Jack.

### Jack Vansittart

Destroys the letter and tries to calm Eve's unfounded suspicions.

### Sophy Marchant

At the luncheon, she is charmed by Sefton and begins to suspect a domestic mystery.

## Key lines

> I will not be your abject slave as I have been, going night after night to feast upon your beauty, to drink the music of your voice, giving you my whole mind and heart, and getting nothing for my pains.

Sefton declares he will no longer be her devoted admirer, having received nothing in return for his devotion.

_Sefton's frustration with Lisa's indifference._

> I forgive you with all my heart, Eve, on condition that this little storm is the last outbreak.

Vansittart forgives Eve's jealousy but warns it must not happen again.

_Vansittart's attempt to quell Eve's suspicions._

> He felt himself living upon the crust of a volcano.

Vansittart sensed that his marriage was on the verge of a catastrophic revelation.

_Vansittart's fear of Eve discovering the truth._

## Links

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- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_venetians_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_venetians_se/chapters