A House Divided Against Itself; vol. 2 of 3

** "A House Divided Against Itself" by Mrs. Oliphant is a story set in the Victorian era that observes the intertwined lives of the Waring family, primarily the sisters Constance and Frances, as they navigate complicated relationships and attempt to define themselves as individuals. The story starts with Constance grappling with feelings of loneliness after her sister leaves, highlighting her conflicting desires for independence and her sense of obligation to her family and social roles. We see emotional conversations between Constance and her father, Mr. Waring, that indicate deeper family issues and the burden of ambition versus how one is expected to behave, setting the stage for Constance's personal growth and the precarious nature of her relationships, especially her new relationship with Captain Gaunt, as the narrative explores the complex interplay between personal desires and societal expectations. **