Victor escorted [Edna] out upon the banquette, lifted her parasol, and held it over her while he walked to the car with her. He entreated her to bear in mind that the disclosures of the afternoon were strictly confidential. She laughed and bantered him a little, remembering too late that she should have been dignified and reserved. Which best explains how the excerpt is evidence of an emerging theme that is central to the novel?
