"The future stretched before her dull and bare as the deserted length of Fifth Avenue, and opportunities showed as meagrely as the few cabs trailing in quest of fares that did not come" (Wharton, 187)
So, Mrs. Peniston left basically nothing for Lily in her will. For some unknown reason, Lily seems accepting of this realizing her behavior towards her aunt was not worthy of the much-needed money. Surprisingly, Gerty Farish remains friends with Lily even after the situation with Selden and now serves as her only friend. Lily depends on her greatly. For the first time though, she depends on her for emotional as well as financial support. In my opinion, this section of the novel is dominated by an underlying message. Was Mrs. Peniston trying to help Lily by not giving her the money? I think so. I believe Peniston is trying to send a message beyond the grave and telling Lily that her problems will not be solved by way of payment. I found it ironic that Lily was left just the right amount to pay off her debts to Trenor. Mrs. Peniston attempted to offer Lily Bart an opportunity at real happiness without ties to anyone; however, as she usually does, Lily tangles herself in the gossip and soft enchantment of the elite life. She dangerously begins to assume that life will figure its way out by way of chance.
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