In Wharton's story, 'Souls Belated', we see Lydia's point of view on marriage-she didn't believe in it. She had been married once, and was on her way towards a divorce. Gannett, her old flame, asks her time and time again for her hand in marriage, yet she declines. One time when Gannet asks her, she comes back with "that hateful paper come to spoil everything between us!", and the moments later, flat out said, "But I don't WANT to marry you!" Neither of the two believe in the 'abstract sacredness' of marriage, and both Lydia and Gannet know that no ceremony is needed to show their love for the other. Lydia sees marriage as a way to know the other person can't escape; as a sacrifice a person must make to another person and their family. In her mind, marriage is a way to get ahead with social...