The Age of Innocence (1993)

1. Well.

2. I didn't think the Mingotts would have tried it on.

3. Parading her at the opera like that.

4. Sitting her next to May Welland. It's all very odd.

5. Well, she's had such an odd life.

6. Will they even bring her to the Beauforts' ball, do you suppose?

7. If they do, the talk will be of little else.

8. Good evening, Mrs. Welland. Good evening, May.

9. Newland.

10. You know my niece, Countess Olenska.

11. Countess.

12. I hope you've told Madame Olenska.

13. - What? - That we're engaged.

14. I want everybody to know.

15. Let me announce it this evening at the ball.

16. If you can persuade Mama.

17. But why should we change what is already settled?

18. But you can tell my cousin yourself. She remembers you.

19. Shh!

20. I remember we played together.

21. How this brings it all back to me.

22. I remember everybody here the same way, in knickerbockers and pantalets.

23. You were horrid.

24. You kissed me once behind a door.

25. But it was your cousin Vandy, the one who never looked at me, I was in love with.

26. - Yes, you have been away a very long time. - Centuries and centuries.

27. So long I'm sure I'm dead and buried and this dear old place is heaven.

28. It in variably happened,

29. as everything happened in those days,

30. in the same way.

31. As usual, Mrs. Julius Beaufort appeared, unaccompanied by her husband,

32. just before the jewel song,

33. and again, as usual,

34. rose at the end of the third act and disappeared.

35. New York then knew that, a half-hour later,

36. the Beauforts' annual opera ball would begin.

37. N'

38. Carriages waited at the curb for the entire performance.

39. It was widely known in New York, but never acknowledged

40. that Americans want to get away from amusement

41. even more quickly than they want to get to it.

42. The Beauforts' house was one of the few in New York

43. that possessed a ballroom.

44. Such a room, shuttered in darkness 364 days of the year,

45. was felt to compensate for whatever was regrettable

46. in the Beaufort past.

47. Regina Beaufort came from an old South Carolina family,

48. but her husband, Julius, who passed for an Englishman,

49. was known to have dissipated habits, a bitter tongue

50. and mysterious antecedents.

51. His marriage assured him a social position,

52. but not necessarily respect.

53. Newland Archer had not stopped at his club, as young men usually did,

54. but came directly to the Beauforts'.

55. He wanted the announcement of his engagement

56. to divert gossip away from the countess

57. and show his most ardent support for May and her whole family.

58. The Beaufort house had been boldly planned.

59. Instead of squeezing through a narrow passage to get to the ballroom,

60. one marched solemnly down a vista of enfiladed drawing rooms.

61. Good evening.

62. But only by actually passing through the crimson drawing room

63. could one see The Return of Spring,

64. the much-discussed nude by Bouguereau

65. which Beaufort had had the audacity to hang in plain sight.

66. - Good evening, Joseph. - Good evening, Mr. Archer.

67. Archer enjoyed such challenges to convention.

68. He questioned conformity in private,

69. but in public he upheld family and tradition.

70. This was a world balanced so precariously

71. that its harmony could be shattered by a whisper.

72. N

73. On the whole, Archer was amused by the smooth hypocrisies of his peers.

74. He may even have envied them.

75. Lawrence Leffens, for instance,

76. was New York's foremost authority on form,

77. and his opinion on pumps versus patent leather Oxfords

78. had never been disputed.

79. On matters of surreptitious romance,

80. his skills went unquestioned.

81. Old Mr. Sillerton Jackson

82. was as great an authority on family

83. as Lawrence Lefferts was on form.

84. The mean and melancholy history of Countess Olenska's European marriage

85. was a buried treasure he hastened to excavate.

86. He carried, like a calling card,

87. an entire register of the scandals and mysteries

88. that had smoldered under the unruffled surface of society

89. for the last 50 years.

90. Now, Julius Beaufort's secret was the way he carried things off.

91. He could arrive casually at his own party as if he were another guest

92. and might also leave early

93. for a more modest but comforting address in the East 30s.

94. Beaufort was intrepid in his business,

95. but in his personal affairs absolutely audacious.

96. Archer's fiancée was innocent of all these intrigues

97. and of much else.

98. May Welland represented for Archer all that was best in their world,

99. all that he honored,

100. and she anchored him to it.

101. You see, I've told all my friends, just as you've asked.

102. Yes, I couldn't wait. Only I wish it hadn't had to be at a ball.

103. But even here we're alone together.

104. The worst of it is that I want to kiss you

105. and I can't.

106. Newland.

107. Did you tell Ellen as I asked you to?

108. No, I didn't have a chance after all.

109. She's my cousin, Newland. If the others know before she does...

110. It's just that she's been away for so long. She's rather sensitive.

111. Of course I'll tell her, dearest, but I didn't see her yet.

112. She decided not to come at the last minute.

113. At the last minute?

114. She was afraid her dress wasn't smart enough.

115. We all thought it was so lovely, but she asked my aunt to take her home.

116. Oh, well.

117. Very handsome.

118. Very liberal.

119. In my time, a cameo set in pearls was thought to be sufficient.

120. But it's the hand that sets off the ring, isn't it, my dear Mr. Archer?

121. It's a new setting.

122. It shows the stone beautifully, but it looks a little bare to old-fashioned eyes.

123. I hope you don't mean mine, my dear.

124. I like all the novelties.

125. My hands were modeled in Paris by the great Roche.

126. He should do May's.

127. Show me, child.

128. Her hand is so tempered.

129. It's these modern sports that spread the joints.

130. But the skin is white.

131. - And when's the wedding to be? - Oh -

132. Oh, as soon as ever it can, if only you'll back me up, Mrs. Mingott.

133. We must give them time to get to know each other a little better, Mama.

134. Know each other? Everybody in New York has always known everybody.

135. Don't wait till the bubble's off the wine. Marry them before Lent.

136. I may catch pneumonia any winter now and I want to give the wedding breakfast.

137. Oh, what a kind offer.

138. Even if she had not been grandmother to May,

139. Mrs. Manson Mingott would still have been the first

140. to receive the required betrothal visit.

141. She was not only the matriarch of this world, she was nearly its dowager empress.

142. Much of New York was already related to her

143. and she knew the remainder by marriage or by reputation.

144. Though brownstone was the norm,

145. she lived magisterially within a large house

146. of controversial pale cream-colored stone

147. in an inaccessible wilderness near the Central Park.

148. The burden of her flesh had long since made it impossible for her

149. to go up and down stairs.

150. So with characteristic independence,

151. she had established herself on the ground floor of her house.

152. From her sitting room, there was an unexpected vista of her bedroom.

153. Her visitors were startled and fascinated by the foreignness of this arrangement,

154. which recalled scenes in French fiction.

155. This was how women with lovers lived in the wicked old societies.

156. But if Mrs. Mingott had wanted a lover,

157. the intrepid woman would have had him too.

158. For now, she was content simply for life and passion

159. to flow northward to her door

160. and to anticipate eagerly the union of Newland Archer

161. with her granddaughter, May.

162. In them, two of New York's best families would finally and momentously be joined.

163. - Bye, Mama. - Good-bye, Augusta.

164. - Ellen! - Ladies.

165. - Aunt Augusta! May! - Archer.

166. Beaufort, this is a rare favor.

167. - Unnecessarily rare, I'd say. - Bonjour, grand-mére.

168. I met Countess Ellen in Madison Square

169. and she was good enough to let me walk home with her.

170. This house will be merrier now that she's here.

171. - Beaufort, pull up that tuffet. - This one?

172. I want a good gossip.

173. Of course you already know about May and me.

174. She scolded me for not telling you at the opera.

175. Of course I know, and I'm so glad.

176. One doesn't tell such news first in a crowd.

177. Oh, careful there. Don't let your ring catch on your sleeve.

178. - Good-bye, Ellen. - Good-bye. Good-bye.

179. Good-bye.

180. Come and see me someday.

181. It's a mistake for Ellen to be seen parading up Fifth Avenue with Julius Beaufort

182. at the crowded hour,

183. the very day after her arrival.

184. His behavior is always so flagrant. Even his wife must know about Annie Ring.

185. Sillerton Jackson enjoyed his frequent visits to the Archer home

186. more than the actual dining.

187. Newland Archer's mother and his sister Janey

188. were both shy women and shrank from society,

189. but they liked to be well informed of its doings

190. and doted on their bachelor friend.

191. Certain nuances escape Beaufort.

192. Oh! Necessarily. Beaufort is a vulgar man.

193. Nevertheless, no business nuances escape him.

194. Most of New York trusts him with its affairs.

195. My grandfather Newland always used to say to Mother,

196. “Don't let that fellow Beaufort be introduced to the girls.”

197. But at least he's had the advantage of association with gentlemen.

198. The Archers and the Mingotts

199. were two of the sturdiest branches of New York's tangled family tree.

200. Granny Mingott's family could embrace May's traditionalism

201. and tolerate Ellen's unconventionality.

202. But Archer's family held fast to the old ways.

203. His mother and sister relied on him for every security.

204. He would always be, Mrs. Archer assured May's mother,

205. “their strong right hand.”

206. And our new cousin, was she at the ball too?

207. I appreciate the Mingotts wanting to support her,

208. to have her at the opera.

209. I admire their esprit de corps.

210. But why my son's engagement

211. should be mixed up with this woman's comings and goings, I don't see.

212. Well, in any case, she was not at the ball.

213. At least she had that decency.

214. Sir?

215. Oh, no.

216. I wonder if she wears a round hat or a bonnet in the afternoon.

217. The dress she wore to the opera was so plain and flat.

218. I'm sure it was in better taste not to go to the ball.

219. Don't think it was a question of taste, Mother.

220. May said the countess decided her dress wasn't smart enough.

221. Poor Ellen.

222. We must always remember the eccentric bringing-up she had.

223. What can you expect of a girl

224. who was allowed to wear black satin at her coming-out ball?

225. It's odd she should have kept such an ugly name as Ellen when she married the count.

226. I should have changed it to Elaine.

227. Why?

228. I don't know.

229. It sounds more... Polish.

230. Mm-hmm.

231. Well, it sounds more conspicuous, and that can hardly be what she wishes.

232. Why not? Why shouldn't she be conspicuous if she chooses?

233. She made an awful marriage, but should she hide her head as if it's her fault?

234. Should she go slinking around as if she disgraced herself?

235. She's had an unhappy life. That doesn't make her an outcast.

236. I'm sure that's the line the Mingotts mean to take.

237. I don't have to wait for their cue, if that's what you mean, sir.

238. I'm told she's looking for a house.

239. She intends to live here.

240. I hear she means to get a divorce.

241. I hope she will.

242. Understandably, her marriage was intolerable.

243. But there are the rumors too.

244. I've heard them. The secretary.

245. He helped get her away from the husband.

246. They say the count kept her practically a prisoner.

247. Certainly the count had his own... way of life.

248. Thank you, Robert.

249. - You knew him? - I heard of him at Nice.

250. Handsome, they say, but, uh...

251. eyes with a lot of lashes.

252. When he wasn't with women he was, um...

253. collecting china.

254. Paying any price for both, I understand.

255. Then where's the blame?

256. Any one of us under the same circumstances would have helped the countess

257. just as the secretary did.

258. He was still helping her a year later then,

259. because somebody met them living together at Lausanne.

260. Living together?

261. Well, why not? Who has the right to make her life over if she hasn't?

262. Why should we bury a woman alive if her husband prefers to live with whores?

263. Oh, it's hardly a question of entombment.

264. The countess is here, after all.

265. Or do you believe a woman should share the same freedoms as men?

266. I suppose I do. Yes, I do.

267. Well, apparently Count Olenski takes a similarly modern view.

268. I never heard of him lifting a finger to get his wife back.

269. Three days later, the unthinkable happened.

270. Mrs. Manson Mingott sent out invitations summoning everyone to a formal dinner.

271. Such an occasion demanded the most careful consideration.

272. - Oh, fine. - It required the appropriate plate.

273. It called for three extra footmen, two dishes for each course

274. and a Roman punch in the middle.

275. The dinner, New York read on the invitation,

276. was “to meet the Countess Olenska.”

277. And New York declined.

278. “Regret, unable to accept.”

279. And from some of our own family!

280. No one cares enough even to conceal their feelings about the countess.

281. This is a disgrace.

282. They all lived in a kind of hieroglyphic World.

283. The real thing was never said or done or even thought,

284. but only represented by a set of arbitrary signs.

285. Archer knew these signs.

286. They were not subtle and were not meant to be.

287. They were more than a simple snubbing.

288. They were an eradication.

289. There was a single court of appeal.

290. He would plead their case before the Van der Luydens.

291. And all this, you think, is due to some intentional interference by...

292. Larry Lefferts. Yes, sir. I'm certain of it.

293. The Van der Luydens dwelled above all the city's families

294. in a kind of super-terrestrial twilight.

295. Archer appealed to their exquisitely refined sense of tribal order.

296. And he spoke plainly.

297. Whenever poor Gertrude Lefferts begins to suspect her husband of... something,

298. Larry starts making some great diversionary fuss

299. to show how moral he is.

300. Well, it's the principle that I dislike.

301. I mean to say, if a member of a well-known family is backed by that family,

302. it should be considered final.

303. We all felt this slight on the countess should not pass without our consulting you.

304. So we are giving a little dinner for our cousin, the Duke of St. Austrey,

305. who arrives next week on the Russia.

306. I'm sure Louisa will be as glad as I am

307. if Countess Olenska will let us include her among our guests.

308. The occasion was a solemn one,

309. but the Countess Olenska arrived rather late,

310. signaling a carelessness of which she was entirely unaware.

311. She entered, without haste or embarrassment,

312. the drawing room in which New York's most chosen company

313. was somewhat awfully assembled.

314. Ah, Countess Olenska.

315. Good evening.

316. - We're delighted you're here. - Good evening.

317. The Duke of St. Austrey. May I present Countess Olenska?

318. Enchantée.

319. The Trevenna George II plate was out.

320. So was the Van der Luyden Lowestoft from the East India Company

321. and the Dagonet Crown Derby.

322. Dining with the Van der Luydens was at best no light matter.

323. Dining there with a duke who was their cousin was almost a religious solemnity.

324. When the Van der Luyden's chose,

325. they knew how to give a lesson.

326. Excuse me.

327. It was not the custom in New York drawing rooms

328. for a lady to get up and walk away from one gentleman

329. in order to seek the company of another.

330. But the countess did not observe this rule.

331. I want you to talk to me about May.

332. You knew the duke before?

333. From Nice. We used to see him every winter.

334. He's very fond of gambling and used to come to our house a great deal.

335. He likes to wear the same suit every evening. He thinks it brings him luck.

336. I think he's the dullest man I ever met.

337. But he... he seems to be admired here.

338. May I tell you what most interests me about New York?

339. Not all the blind obeying of tradition - somebody... else's tradition.

340. It seems stupid to have discovered America only to make it a copy of another country.

341. Do you suppose Christopher Columbus would have taken all that trouble

342. just to go to the opera with Larry Lefferts?

343. Well, I think if he'd suspected that Lefferts were here,

344. the Santa Marla might never have left port.

345. And... And May? Does she share these views?

346. Oh, if she does, she'd never say so.

347. Are you very much in love with her?

348. As much as a man can be.

349. Do you think there's a limit?

350. If there is, I haven't found it.

351. Oh.

352. C'est bon. It's really and truly a romance then.

353. Not in the least arranged?

354. Have you forgotten, in our country we don't allow our marriages to be arranged?

355. Yes, I forgot. I'm sorry. I...

356. I sometimes make these mistakes.

357. I don't always remember

358. that everything here is good that was... that was bad where I came from.

359. - I'm so sorry. - No.

360. But you know you are among friends here.

361. Yes, I know. That's why I came home.

362. - Good evening, Louisa. - May I present May Welland.

363. You'll want to be with May.

364. Oh, I'm so pleased to meet you.

365. She's already surrounded. I have so many rivals.

366. Then stay with me a little longer.

367. Yes.

368. Mr. Urban Dagonet, may I present the Countess Olenska?

369. - How do you do, my dear? - How do you do?

370. Tomorrow then, after 5:00, I'll expect you.

371. Tomorrow.

372. Excuse me.

373. It was good of you to devote yourself to Madame Olenska

374. so unselfishly, dear Newland.

375. I told Henry he really must rescue you.

376. I think I've never seen May looking lovelier.

377. The duke thinks her the handsomest woman in the room.

378. You don't have to stay.

379. Thank you.

380. It was my pleasure.

381. Mr. Archer.

382. So...

383. how do you like this odd little house?

384. To me, it's like heaven.

385. - You've arranged it delightfully. - Yes.

386. Some of the things I managed to bring with me.

387. Little pieces of... wreckage.

388. At least it's less gloomy than the Van der Luydens'

389. and not so difficult to be alone.

390. I am sure it's often thought the Van der Luydens' is gloomy,

391. though I've never heard it said before.

392. Tell me, do you really like to be alone?

393. As long as my friends keep me from being lonely.

394. I see you've already chosen your corner.

395. - Please sit. - Thank you.

396. This is the hour I like best.

397. Don't you?

398. I was afraid you'd forgotten the hour.

399. I'm sure Beaufort can be very intriguing.

400. He took me to see some houses.

401. I'm... told I must move.

402. Even though this street seems perfectly respectable.

403. Yes, but it's not fashionable.

404. Fashionable?

405. Is fashion such a serious consideration?

406. Among people who have nothing more serious to consider.

407. Perhaps I've been too independent.

408. All I really want is to feel cared for and safe.

409. Thank you.

410. The Van der Luydens do nothing by halves.

411. All New York laid itself out for you last night.

412. It was so kind. Such a nice party.

413. Cream or lemon?

414. Um... Lemon, please.

415. The Van der Luydens are the most powerful influence in New York society.

416. They very seldom receive because of Cousin Louisa's health.

417. Mmm. Perhaps that's the reason then.

418. - Thank you. The reason? - For their influence.

419. They make themselves so rare.

420. But of course you must tell me.

421. No, it's you telling me.

422. - Thank you. - Then we can both help each other.

423. But I need help so much more.

424. There are so many people already...

425. to tell you what to do.

426. I think they're all a little angry with me for setting up for myself.

427. Still, your family can advise you, show you the way.

428. Is New York such a labyrinth?

429. I thought it was all straight up and down, like Fifth Avenue,

430. with all the cross streets... numbered

431. and big, honest labels on everything.

432. Everything is labeled, but everybody is not.

433. Then I must count on you for warnings too.

434. All the older women like and admire you. They want to help.

435. I know, I know, as long as they don't hear anything unpleasant.

436. Does no one here want to know the truth, Mr. Archer?

437. The real loneliness is living among all these kind people

438. who only ask you to pretend.

439. No, no, you mustn't.

440. Madame Olenska.

441. Ellen.

442. Does no one cry here either?

443. I suppose there's no need to.

444. Oh, Mr. Archer, good evening.

445. We didn't see you this morning,

446. and we weren't sure whether to send Miss Welland the usual -

447. Lilies of the valley. Yes, we'd better make that a standing order.

448. Very good, sir.

449. And... those yellow roses.

450. - I'll give you another address. - Very good.

451. George!

452. Mr. Archer. Two separate orders.

453. - They'll go at once? - At once, sir.

454. It's wonderful to wake every morning with lilies of the valley in my room.

455. It's like being with you.

456. They came late yesterday, I know. Somehow the time got away from me.

457. But still you always remember.

458. I sent some roses to your cousin Ellen too. Was that right?

459. Very right.

460. She didn't mention it at lunch today though.

461. She said she got some wonderful orchids from Mr. Beaufort

462. and a whole hamper of carnations from Cousin Henry van der Luyden.

463. She was so very delighted. Don't people send flowers in Europe?

464. - I know you do consider it a long time. - Very long.

465. But the Chiverses were engaged for a year and a half.

466. Larry Lefferts and Gertrude were engaged for two.

467. I'm sure Mama expects something customary.

468. Ever since you were little, your parents let you have your way.

469. You're almost 22. Just tell your mother what you want.

470. I couldn't refuse her the very last thing she'd ever ask of me as a little girl.

471. Can't we just strike out for ourselves, May?

472. Shall we elope?

473. Well, if you would, why not?

474. You do love me, Newland. I'm so happy.

475. Well, why not be happier?

476. I couldn't be happier, dearest.

477. Did I tell you I showed Ellen the ring?

478. She thought it was the most beautiful setting she ever saw.

479. She said there was nothing like it in the Rue de la Paix.

480. I do love you, Newland.

481. Everything you do is so special.

482. I want to call on your legal skills for a rather delicate matter.

483. Countess Olenska wants to sue her husband for divorce.

484. It's been suggested she means to marry again, although she denies it.

485. Because of- I beg your pardon, sir, but because of my engagement,

486. perhaps one of the other members of the firm could consider this matter.

487. But precisely because of your prospective alliance,

488. and considering that several members of the family have already asked for you,

489. I'd like you to consider the case.

490. It's a family matter. Perhaps it's best settled by the family.

491. Oh, their position is clear.

492. They're entirely and rightly against a divorce.

493. But Countess Olenska still insists on a legal opinion.

494. But, really, what's the use of a divorce?

495. She's here, he's there.

496. The whole Atlantic's between them.

497. As things go, Olenski's acted generously.

498. He's already returned some of the money without being asked.

499. She'll never get a dollar more than that.

500. Although I understand she attaches no importance to the money.

501. Considering all that,

502. the wisest thing, really, is to do as the families say -

503. just let well enough alone.

504. I think that's for her to decide.

505. Have you considered the consequences if the countess decides for divorce?

506. The consequences for the countess?

507. For everyone.

508. I don't think the count's accusations amount to anything more than vague charges.

509. It will make for some talk.

510. Well, I have heard talk about the countess and the secretary.

511. I heard it even before I read the legal papers.

512. It's certain to be unpleasant.

513. Unpleasant?

514. Divorce is always unpleasant. Don't you agree?

515. - Naturally. - Then I can count on you.

516. The family can count on you.

517. You will use your influence against a divorce.

518. I can't promise that. Not until I've talked to the countess.

519. I don't understand you, Mr. Archer.

520. Do you want to marry into a family with a scandalous divorce suit hanging over it?

521. I don't think that has anything to do with the case.

522. Can someone take this for me to the countess, please?

523. - Buona sera. - Thank you.

524. You refuse such an invitation on threat of death.

525. Is it so bad?

526. Well, I suppose not, if you have a taste for slow agony.

527. That's something I've neglected to cultivate.

528. Three days at Skuytercliff with the Van der Luydens.

529. Think you'd better take your fur and a hot water bottle.

530. - Is the house that cold? - Uh, no, but Louisa is.

531. Mr. Archer.

532. Join me at Delmonico's on Sunday instead.

533. I'm having a nice oyster supper in your honor.

534. Private room, congenial company, artists and so on.

535. That's very tempting. I haven't met a single artist since I've been here.

536. I know one or two painters I could bring to see you, if you'd allow me.

537. Painters? Are there any painters in New York?

538. Thank you, but I was really thinking of singers,

539. actors, musicians, dramatic artists.

540. There were always so many at my husband's house.

541. May I write tomorrow and let you know?

542. It's too late to decide this evening.

543. Is this late?

544. Yes, because I still have to talk business with Mr. Archer.

545. Ah.

546. Of course, Newland, uh,

547. if you can persuade the countess to change her mind about Sunday,

548. you can join us too.

549. You... You know painters, then?

550. You live in their milieu?

551. Not exactly.

552. - But you care about such things? - Immensely.

553. When I'm in Paris or London I never miss an exhibition.

554. I try to keep up.

555. Oh, I used to care immensely too. My life was full of such things.

556. But now I want to cast off all my old life

557. to become a complete American and try to be like everybody else.

558. I don't think you'll ever quite be like everybody else.

559. Don't say that to me, please. I just want to put all the old things behind me.

560. I know.

561. Mr. Letterblair told me.

562. Mr. Letterblair?

563. Yes. I've... I've come because he asked me to. I'm in the firm.

564. You mean it'll be you who'll manage everything for me?

565. I can talk to you? That's so much easier.

566. Yes, I'm here to talk about it.

567. I've read all the legal papers.

568. And the letter from the count.

569. It was vile.

570. But if he chooses to fight the case, he can say things that might be un -

571. uh...

572. that might be disagreeable to you, and say them publicly,

573. so that they could be damaging even if...

574. If?

575. Even if they were unfounded.

576. What harm could accusations like that do me here?

577. Perhaps more harm than anywhere else.

578. Our legislation favors divorce, but our social customs don't.

579. Never?

580. Well, not if the woman has appearances...

581. in the least degree against her,

582. has exposed herself by

583. any unconventional behavior...

584. to... offensive insinuations and...

585. Yes. So my family tell me.

586. Our family. You'll be my cousin soon.

587. And do you agree with them?

588. What could you possibly gain that would make up for the scandal?

589. My freedom.

590. But aren't you free already?

591. It's my business to help you see these things

592. the way people who are fondest of you see them,

593. all your friends and relations.

594. If I didn't show you honestly how they judge such matters,

595. it wouldn't be fair of me, would it?

596. No, it wouldn't be fair.

597. Very well, I'll...

598. do as you wish.

599. I...

600. - I do want to help you. - You do help me.

601. Good night, Cousin.

602. Miss Mullen, for mercy's sake, don't cry so bitterly.

603. - Forget what I've done! - On one condition.

604. I accept it, whatever it may be.

605. Never speak a word of love to me again.

606. Never?

607. On my honor.

608. Heaven bless you.

609. Farewell.

610. It's fascinating.

611. Every season, the same play, the same scene, the same effect on the audience.

612. Remarkable, isn't it, Newland?

613. I'm enjoying it even more than the London production.

614. Do you see this play even when you travel? I'd travel to get away from it.

615. So, was it a dinner?

616. It was a reception at Mrs. Struthers'

617. given on the Lord's day,

618. but with champagne and singing from the tabletops.

619. People say there was dancing.

620. It was a real French Sunday, then?

621. Dissipation can be wonderfully energizing in the early stages, I'm told.

622. Do you think her lover will send her a box of yellow roses tomorrow morning?

623. I...

624. I was thinking about that too.

625. The farewell scene.

626. Yes, I know.

627. It touches me as well.

628. I usually leave the theater after that scene, to take the picture away with me.

629. Mmm.

630. I had a letter from May from St. Augustine.

631. Well, they always spend the winter there, on account of her mother's bronchitis.

632. And what do you do while May is away?

633. I do my work.

634. I do want you to know, what you advised me was right.

635. Things can be so difficult sometimes,

636. and I'm so grateful.

637. The next day, Newland Archer searched the city in vain for yellow roses.

638. From his office he sent a note to Madame Olenska

639. asking to call that afternoon and requesting a reply by messenger.

640. There was no reply that day, or the next.

641. And when yellow roses were again available

642. Archer passed them by.

643. It was only on the third day that he heard from her by post

644. from the Van der Luydens' country home.

645. Newland, I ran away the day after I saw you at the play

646. and these kind friends have taken me in.

647. I wanted to be quiet and think things over.

648. I feel so safe here.

649. I wish that you were with us.

650. Yours sincerely.

651. He had received an invitation from the Leffens

652. for a weekend on the Hudson,

653. and he hoped it was not too late to reply.

654. Their house was not far from the Van der Luydens'.

655. I came to see what you were running away from.

656. - I knew you'd come. - That shows you wanted me to.

657. Cousin May wrote she asked you to take care of me.

658. - I didn't need to be asked. - Why?

659. Does that mean I'm so helpless and defenseless?

660. Or that women here are so blessed they never feel need?

661. What sort of need?

662. Oh, please, don't ask me. I don't speak your language.

663. Henry left the old Patroon house open for me. I want you to see it.

664. When you wrote me, you were unhappy.

665. Yes, but I can't feel unhappy when you're here.

666. - I shan't be here long. - I know.

667. Ellen, if you really wanted me to come,

668. if I'm really to help you...

669. you must tell me what you're running from.

670. Oh.

671. Is he what you are running from?

672. Or what you expected?

673. I didn't know he was here.

674. Hello, Beaufort. This way. Madame Olenska was expecting you.

675. Hello.

676. Well, you've certainly led me on a bit of a chase.

677. All this way just to tell you I'd found the perfect little house for you.

678. Oh.

679. It's not on the market yet, so you must take it at once.

680. Well, Archer. Rusticating?

681. That night he did not take the customary comfort

682. in his monthly shipment of books from London.

683. The taste of the usual was like cinders in his mouth,

684. and there were moments when he felt as if he were being buried alive under his future.

685. Newland, come late tomorrow. I must explain to you. Ellen.

686. Newland.

687. - Has anything happened? - Yes.

688. I found I had to see you.

689. What is it?

690. Nothing.

691. So tell me what you do all day.

692. Well, there are a few very pleasant people from Philadelphia and Baltimore

693. who are picnicking at the inn,

694. and the Merrys are setting up a lawn tennis court.

695. But nobody here has really heard of the game yet.

696. Um, I have my racket, of course, and so does Kate Merry.

697. But she's had this terrible case of bronchitis.

698. She's still not quite over it, so...

699. But I thought - I came... I came here

700. because I thought I could persuade you to break away from all that,

701. to advance our engagement.

702. Don't you understand how much I want to marry you?

703. Why should we dream away another year?

704. I'm not sure I do understand, Newland.

705. Is it because you're not certain of feeling the same way about me?

706. What on earth do you mean?

707. Is there someone else?

708. Someone else?

709. Between you and me?

710. Let's talk frankly, Newland.

711. I've felt a difference in you, especially since our engagement.

712. Since our engagement?

713. If it's untrue, then it won't hurt to talk about it. And if it is true, why shouldn't we talk about it?

714. Now, I mean. You might've made a mistake.

715. If I'd made some sort of a mistake, would I be asking you to hurry our marriage?

716. I don't know. You might.

717. It would be one way to settle the question.

718. In Newport, two years ago, before we were promised,

719. everyone said there was someone else for you.

720. I saw you with her once, sitting together on a veranda at a dance.

721. When she came into the house, her face looked so sad.

722. I felt sorry for her.

723. Even after, when we were engaged, I could still see how she looked, and -

724. Is that - Is that all you've been concerned about?

725. It's long past.

726. Then is there something else?

727. No.

728. Of course not.

729. Whatever it may have been, Newland,

730. I can't have my happiness made out of a wrong to somebody else.

731. If promises were made, or if you feel in some way pledged to this person,

732. even if it means her getting a divorce,

733. then, Newland, don't give her up because of me.

734. There are no pledges.

735. There are no promises that matter.

736. That's all I've been trying to say. There is no one between us.

737. There is nothing between us, May.

738. Which is precisely my argument for getting married.

739. Quickly.

740. He could feel her dropping back to inexpressive girlishness.

741. Her conscience had been eased of its burden.

742. It was wonderful, he thought,

743. how such depths of feeling could coexist with such an absence of imagination.

744. Mm-hmm. And did you succeed?

745. No, though I'd still like to be married in April with your help.

746. Now you're seeing the Mingott way.

747. Is this really so difficult?

748. The entire family is difficult.

749. No one of them wants to be different.

750. And when they are different, they end up like Ellen's parents.

751. Nomads. Continental wanderers.

752. Dragging Ellen about.

753. Lavishing on her an expensive but incoherent education.

754. Out of all of them, I don't believe there's one that takes after me but my little Ellen.

755. You've got a quick eye. Why in the world didn't you marry her?

756. Well, for one thing, she wasn't there to be married.

757. No, to be sure.

758. And she's still not.

759. The count, you know.

760. He's written to Mr. Letterblair.

761. He wants her back.

762. On her own terms.

763. The count doesn't defend himself. I will say that.

764. And Ellen will be losing a great deal if she stayed here.

765. There's her old life -

766. gardens at Nice, jewels, of course, music and conversation.

767. She says she goes unnoticed in Europe,

768. but I know her portrait's been painted nine times.

769. All this and the remorse of a guilty husband.

770. I'd rather see her dead.

771. Would you really?

772. We should remember marriage is marriage and Ellen is still a wife.

773. Afternoon, ma'am.

774. Ellen! See who's here!

775. Yes, I know.

776. I went to see your mother to ask where you'd gone.

777. Darling.

778. Since you never answered my note I was afraid you might be ill.

779. Well, he was in such a rush to get married, that's why.

780. Fresh off the train and straight here.

781. He wants me to use all my influence just to marry his sweetheart sooner.

782. Well, surely, Granny, between us

783. we can persuade the Wellands to do as he wishes.

784. There, Newland. You see? Right to the quick of the problem, like me.

785. I told him she should have married you.

786. And what did he say?

787. Oh, my darling, I leave you to find that out.

788. I wish I didn't have to leave. I shall see you very soon, I hope.

789. Fine.

790. I'll see you out.

791. When can I see you?

792. Thank you.

793. - Nastasia. - Mmm?

794. The Struthers are sending the carriage at 7:00.

795. Good evening.

796. Who's ridiculous enough to send me a bouquet?

797. I'm not going to a ball and I'm not engaged.

798. Nastasia!

799. Some people are always ridiculous.

800. Take these to that nice family down the street.

801. Grazie, Nastasia.

802. Well, I'll tell you, in almost everything she says

803. there's something true and something untrue.

804. Why?

805. What has Granny been telling you?

806. I think she believes you might go back to your husband.

807. I think she believes you might at least consider it.

808. A lot of things have been believed of me.

809. But if she thinks I would consider it, that also means she would consider it for me,

810. as Granny is weighing your idea of advancing the marriage.

811. May and I had a frank talk in Florida.

812. It's probably our first.

813. She wants a long engagement to give me time.

814. Time for what?

815. She thinks I want to marry her at once...

816. to get away from someone that I

817. care for... more.

818. Time to give her up for another woman?

819. If I want to.

820. That's very noble.

821. Yes.

822. It's ridiculous.

823. Why?

824. Because there is no other woman?

825. No.

826. Because I don't mean to marry anyone else.

827. This other woman, does she love you too?

828. There is no other woman. The person that May was thinking of was never -

829. That must be your carriage.

830. Yes, um...

831. I suppose I should be leaving soon.

832. To Mrs. Struthers?

833. Yes.

834. I must go where I'm invited or I should be too lonely.

835. Why not come with me?

836. May guessed the truth.

837. There is another woman.

838. Only not the one she thinks.

839. Don't make love to me. Too many people have done that.

840. I've never made love to you.

841. But you are the woman I would have married if it had been possible for either of us.

842. You can say that when you're the one who has made it impossible?

843. - I've made it? - Isn't it you who made me give up divorcing?

844. Didn't you talk to me here, in this house, about sacrifice and sparing scandal?

845. And for May's sake and for yours, I did what you asked me!

846. There were things in your husband's letter -

847. I'd nothing to fear from that letter. Absolutely nothing.

848. I was just afraid of scandal for the family, and you and May.

849. Ellen.

850. Ellen.

851. Nothing's...

852. Nothing's done that can't be undone.

853. I'm still free.

854. You can be too.

855. Please.

856. Oh.

857. No. Can I marry May now? Do you see me marrying May now?

858. I don't see you putting that question to May. Do you?

859. I have to. It's too late to do anything else.

860. You say that because it's the easiest thing to say at this moment, not because it's true.

861. I don't understand you.

862. You don't understand because you don't yet realize

863. how you've changed things for me.

864. You don't know all that you've done.

865. All I've done?

866. All the good things you've done for me, Newland, that I never knew.

867. Going to the Van der Luydens because people refused to meet me.

868. Announcing your engagement at the ball

869. so there would be two families standing behind me instead of one.

870. I never understood how dreadful people thought I was.

871. Granny blurted it out one day.

872. I was stupid. I never thought.

873. New York meant freedom to me.

874. Everyone seemed so kind and glad to see me.

875. But they never knew what it meant to be tempted.

876. But you did. You understood.

877. I'd never known that before...

878. and it's better than anything I've known.

879. Newland, you couldn't be happy if it meant being cruel.

880. If we act any other way, I'll be making you act against what I love in you most.

881. And I can't go back to that way of thinking.

882. Don't you see? I can't love you unless I give you up.

883. Ellen, Granny's telegram was successful.

884. Grandma and Mama agreed to marriage after Easter. Only a month.

885. I will telegraph Newland.

886. I'm too happy for words and love you dearly.

887. Your grateful cousin, May.

888. There had been wild rumors right up to the wedding day

889. that Mrs. Mingott would actually attend the ceremony.

890. It was known that she had sent a carpenter to measure the front pew

891. in case it might be altered to accommodate her.

892. But this idea, like the great lady herself,

893. proved to be unwieldy,

894. and she settled for giving the wedding breakfast.

895. The Countess Olenska sent her regrets -

896. She was traveling with an aunt -

897. but gave the bride and groom an exquisite piece of old lace.

898. Two elderly aunts in Rhinebeck offered a honeymoon cottage,

899. and since it was thought very English to have a country house on loan,

900. their offer was accepted.

901. When the house proved suddenly uninhabitable, however,

902. Henry van der Luyden stepped in to offer an old cottage on his property nearby.

903. May accepted the offer as a surprise for her husband.

904. She'd never seen the house, but her cousin, Ellen, had mentioned it once.

905. She had said it was the only house in America

906. where she could imagine being perfectly happy.

907. They traveled to the expected places, which May had never seen.

908. In London, Archer ordered his clothes.

909. And they went to the National Gallery and sometimes to the theater.

910. Oh, I hope I don't look ridiculous. I've never dined out in London.

911. English women dress just like everybody else in the evening, don't they?

912. How can you say that when they're always at the theater

913. in old ball dresses and bare heads?

914. Well, maybe they save their new dresses for home.

915. - Then I shouldn't have worn this. - No. You look very fine.

916. Really, quite beautiful.

917. In Paris, she ordered her clothes.

918. There were trunks of dresses from Worth.

919. They visited the Tuileries.

920. May's hands were modeled in marble at Roche's studio.

921. And occasionally, they dined out.

922. But tell me, you were saying you were actually advised here by Maupassant?

923. Ah, yes.

924. Unfortunately, I was advised not to write.

925. Archer embraced his new marriage

926. even as he reverted to his old inherited ideas about matrimony.

927. It was less trouble to conform with tradition.

928. There was no use trying to emancipate a wife

929. who hadn't the dimmest notion that she was not free.

930. When we were in London, we could only manage one day at the National.

931. We were taken up by a Mrs. Carfry and Mrs. Harle.

932. We had an awfully good talk. He's an interesting fellow.

933. We talked about books and many different things.

934. I thought I'd invite him to dinner.

935. - The Frenchman? - Yes.

936. I didn't have much chance to talk to him, but wasn't he a little common?

937. Common?

938. I thought he was clever.

939. I suppose I shouldn't have known if he was clever.

940. Then I won't ask him to dine.

941. With a chill, he knew that, in future,

942. many problems would be solved for him in this same way.

943. The first six months of marriage were usually said to be the hardest,

944. and after that, he thought, they would have pretty nearly finished

945. polishing down all the rough edges.

946. But May's pressure was already wearing down

947. the very roughness he most wanted to keep.

948. As for the madness with Madame Olenska,

949. Archer trained himself to remember it as the last of his discarded experiments.

950. She remained in his memory simply as the most plaintive and poignant

951. of a line of ghosts.

952. She's very deft.

953. Yes, that's the only kind of target she'll ever hit.

954. No one could ever be jealous of May's triumphs.

955. She managed to give the feeling

956. that she would have been just as serene without them.

957. Okay. Bye. Bye.

958. But what if all her calm, her niceness

959. were just a negation,

960. a curtain dropped in front of an emptiness?

961. Archer felt he had never yet lifted that curtain.

962. Quite stunning, isn't it?

963. It's Julius Beaufort who donates the club's prizes, isn't it?

964. This looks like him, of course.

965. It will make quite an heirloom, my dear. You should leave it to your eldest daughter.

966. What's the matter? Aren't there going to be any daughters?

967. Only sons? What, can't I say that either?

968. Look at her blushing.

969. Ellen! Ellen, are you upstairs?

970. She's over from Portsmouth, spending the day with me.

971. It's such a nuisance. She just won't stay in Newport.

972. Insists on putting up with those - What's their name?

973. Blenkers.

974. But I gave up arguing with young people 50 years ago. Ellen.

975. I'm sorry, ma'am. Miss Ellen's not in the house.

976. - Oh, she's left? - I saw her going down the shore path.

977. Run down and fetch her like a good grandson.

978. May and I will have a gossip about Julius Beaufort.

979. Go ahead. I know she'll want to see you both.

980. Is it true Beaufort has given Annie Ring a diamond bracelet?

981. I hear he even plans to bring her to Newport.

982. He had heard her name often enough

983. during the year and a half since they had last met.

984. He was even familiar with the main incidents of her life.

985. But he heard all these accounts with detachment,

986. as if listening to reminiscences of someone long dead.

987. But the past had come again into the present,

988. as in those newly discovered caverns in Tuscany

989. where children had lit bunches of straw

990. and seen old images staring from the wall.

991. He gave himself a single chance.

992. She must turn before the sailboat crosses the Lime Rock light.

993. Then he would go to her.

994. I'm sorry you didn't find her, but I've heard she's so changed.

995. - Changed? - So indifferent to her old friends.

996. Summering in Portsmouth.

997. Moving to Washington.

998. Sometimes I think we've always bored her.

999. I wonder if she wouldn't be happier with her husband after all.

1000. I don't think I've ever heard you be cruel before.

1001. Cruel?

1002. Even demons don't think people are happier in hell.

1003. Then she shouldn't have married abroad.

1004. Here, let me. Go on. Walk on.

1005. The Blenkers? A party for the Blenkers.

1006. Who are they?

1007. The Portsmouth people, I think. The ones Countess Olenska's staying with.

1008. “Professor and Mrs. Emerson Sillerton request the pleasure,

1009. Wednesday Afternoon Club at three o'clock punctually,

1010. to meet Mrs. and the Misses Blenker.

1011. Red Gables, Catherine Street.”

1012. I don't think we can decline.

1013. I don't see why, really.

1014. He's an archaeologist -

1015. And he's Sillerton Jackson's cousin.

1016. - Of course. - Some of us will have to go.

1017. I'll go over. And, Janey, why don't you come with me?

1018. I'm sure Cousin Ellen will be there. It'll give you a chance to see her.

1019. Newland, you can find a way to spend your afternoon, can't you?

1020. Oh, I think for a change, I'll just save it instead of spending it.

1021. Maybe I'll drive to the farm to see about a new horse for the brougham.

1022. Well, at least the Jacksons didn't choose the day of the Cup Race for their party.

1023. Of course, I shouldn't be surprised if they had.

1024. Hello?

1025. I'm sorry. Did you ring? I've been asleep in the hammock.

1026. I didn't mean to disturb you.

1027. Are you Miss Blenker? I'm Newland Archer.

1028. Oh, yes, I've heard so much about you.

1029. I came up the island to look for a new horse,

1030. and I thought I'd call, but the house seems to be empty.

1031. It is empty. They're all at the party.

1032. Everyone's there but me, with my fever, and Countess Olenska.

1033. Oh, you found my parasol.

1034. It's my best one. It's from the Cameroons.

1035. It's very pretty-

1036. Uh, the countess was called away?

1037. Yes, a telegram came from Boston.

1038. She said she might be gone for two days.

1039. I do love the way she does her hair, don't you?

1040. It reminds me of Sir Walter Scott.

1041. You don't know - I'm sorry, but I have to be in Boston tomorrow.

1042. You wouldn't happen to know where she was staying?

1043. “... the joy in which I can -”

1044. Oh.

1045. Ellen.

1046. I'm here on business. I just got here, actually.

1047. You're doing your hair differently.

1048. Only because my maid's not with me. She stayed back in Portsmouth.

1049. I'm here only for two days. It didn't seem worthwhile.

1050. You're traveling alone?

1051. Yes. Why?

1052. Do you think it's a little dangerous?

1053. Well, it's unconventional.

1054. Yes, I suppose it is. I've just done something so much more unconventional.

1055. I refused to take back money that belonged to me.

1056. Someone came with an offer?

1057. What were the conditions?

1058. I refused.

1059. - Tell me the conditions. - Nothing unbearable, really.

1060. Just to sit at the head of his table now and then.

1061. And he wants you back at any price?

1062. Well, it's a considerable price.

1063. At least it's considerable for me.

1064. So you came to see him?

1065. My husband? Here? No, of course not.

1066. He sent someone.

1067. His secretary?

1068. Yes.

1069. He's still here, in fact.

1070. He insisted on waiting in case I changed my mind.

1071. You haven't changed, Newland.

1072. I had changed, until I saw you again.

1073. - Please don't. - Just give me the day.

1074. I'll say anything you like, or nothing. I won't speak unless you tell me to.

1075. All I want is some time with you.

1076. I want to get you away from that man. Is he coming to the hotel?

1077. - At 11:00. Just - - We must go now.

1078. I'll have to leave a note at the hotel.

1079. Write on this. I have the paper. You see how everything is predestined?

1080. And these - Have you seen this? The new stylographic pen.

1081. It's just like - It's like jerking -

1082. You have to jerk down the mercury in a thermometer.

1083. Now, try that.

1084. It's not working.

1085. That should do it.

1086. - Shall I take it in? - I'll be only a moment.

1087. Why didn't you come down to the beach to get me the day I was at Granny's?

1088. Because you didn't turn around.

1089. I swore -

1090. I swore I wouldn't call you unless you turned around.

1091. But I didn't look around on purpose.

1092. You knew?

1093. I recognized the carriage when you drove in.

1094. So I went to the beach.

1095. - To get as far away from me as you could. - As I could, yes.

1096. Well, you see, it's no use. It's better if we face each other.

1097. - I only want to be honest with you. - Honest?

1098. Isn't that why you always admired Julius Beaufort?

1099. He was more honest than the rest of us, wasn't he?

1100. We've no character.

1101. No color, no variety.

1102. I don't know why you don't just go back to Europe.

1103. - I believe that's because of you. - Me?

1104. I'm the man who married one woman because another one told him to.

1105. You promised not to say such things today.

1106. I can't keep that promise.

1107. What about May? What about how May feels?

1108. If you're using my marriage as some victory of ours,

1109. then there's really no reason on earth why you shouldn't go back.

1110. You gave me my first glimpse of a real life

1111. and then you told me to carry on with a false one.

1112. No one can endure that.

1113. I'm enduring it.

1114. What's the use? I know you'll go back.

1115. I won't.

1116. Not yet.

1117. Not as long as we both can stand it.

1118. - This is not a life for you. - It is.

1119. As long as it's part of yours.

1120. You won't go back.

1121. I won't go back.

1122. He would see her again at the theater or a reception.

1123. Perhaps he might be seated next to her.

1124. Perhaps they might have another time alone somewhere.

1125. But he could not live without seeing her.

1126. Mr. Archer, I think.

1127. - Yes. - My name is Rivière.

1128. I dined with you in Paris last year.

1129. Oh, yes, I'm sorry. I didn't quite recall.

1130. By the way, I had the advantage. I saw you in Boston yesterday.

1131. I came here on Count Olenski's behalf

1132. because I believed in all good faith that she should return to him.

1133. Forgive me.

1134. Forgive me, monsieur, but, uh,

1135. I really don't understand your purpose

1136. in coming to see me.

1137. She's changed, monsieur.

1138. You knew her before?

1139. I used to see her at her husband's house, yes.

1140. Well, the count would not have entrusted my mission to a stranger.

1141. This change that you mentioned...

1142. Oh, it may only have been my seeing her for the first time... as she is,

1143. as - as an American.

1144. She made her marriage in good faith.

1145. It was a faith the count could not share,

1146. could not understand.

1147. So her faith was... détruit.

1148. Broken.

1149. - Destroyed. - Destroyed.

1150. Returning to Europe would mean a life of some comfort...

1151. and considerable sacrifice...

1152. and, I would think, no hope.

1153. I will, of course, fulfill my obligation to the count

1154. and meet with the family.

1155. I will tell him everything that he suggests and wishes for the countess.

1156. But I would ask you to use your influence with them.

1157. I beg you, monsieur, do not let her go back.

1158. When old Mrs. Baxter Pennilow died,

1159. they found her standing order -

1160. 48 Worth dresses, still wrapped in tissue paper.

1161. When her daughters left off their mourning,

1162. they wore the first lot to the symphony

1163. without looking in advance of the fashion.

1164. At the first...

1165. He had written to her once in Washington.

1166. Just a few lines, asking when they were to meet again.

1167. And she wrote back, “Not yet.”

1168. But even that had the front panel changed.

1169. I think it was Julius Beaufort who started the new fashion

1170. by making his wife clap her new clothes on her back as soon as they arrived.

1171. I must say, it takes all Regina's distinction not to look like -

1172. Her rivals?

1173. - Like that Annie Ring. - Careful, dear.

1174. Well, everybody knows.

1175. Indeed. Beaufort always put his business around.

1176. And now that his business is gone, there are bound to be disclosures.

1177. Gone? Is it really that bad?

1178. As bad as anything I ever heard of.

1179. Most everybody we know will be hit one way or another.

1180. Very difficult for Regina, of course.

1181. And it's a pity, it's certainly a pity

1182. that Countess Olenska refused her husband's offer.

1183. Why, for God's sake?

1184. Well, to put it on the lowest ground, what's she going to live on now?

1185. - Live on? - I mean, now that Beaufort -

1186. What the hell does that mean, sir?

1187. Most of her money's invested with Beaufort,

1188. and the allowance she's been getting from the family is so cut back.

1189. - I'm sure she has something. - Oh, I would think a little.

1190. Whatever remains, after sustaining more debt.

1191. I know the family paid close attention to Monsieur Rivière

1192. and considered the count's offer very carefully.

1193. If everyone had rather she be Beaufort's mistress than some decent fellow's wife,

1194. you've all gone about it perfectly.

1195. She won't go back.

1196. That's your opinion, eh?

1197. Well, no doubt you know.

1198. I suppose she might still soften Catherine Mingott,

1199. who could give her any allowance she chooses.

1200. But the rest of the family have no particular interest in keeping her here.

1201. They'll simply let her... find her own level.

1202. Good evening, sir.

1203. Thank you, Martin.

1204. That lamp is smoking again. The servant should see to it.

1205. I'm sorry.

1206. I may have to go to Washington for a few days.

1207. When?

1208. Tomorrow. I'm sorry. I should have said it before.

1209. - On business? - On business, of course.

1210. There's a patent case coming up before the Supreme Court.

1211. I just got the papers from Letterblair. It seems that he intended to go himself.

1212. Oh, never mind. It sounds too complicated.

1213. I have enough trouble managing this lamp.

1214. Let me try that.

1215. But the change will do you good.

1216. And you must be sure to go and see Ellen.

1217. Excuse me, ma'am, but this came for you while you were out.

1218. Do something about this, will you, Agnes?

1219. Certainly, sir.

1220. Granny's had a stroke.

1221. A stroke?

1222. Ridiculous.

1223. I told them all it was just an excess of Thanksgiving.

1224. Dr. Bencomb acted most concerned and insisted on notifying everyone

1225. as if it were the last reading of my will and testament.

1226. Oh, you're very dear to come.

1227. But perhaps you only wanted to see what I'd left you.

1228. Oh, Granny, that's shocking.

1229. It was shock that did this to me.

1230. No, thank you.

1231. It's all due to Regina Beaufort.

1232. She came here last night and she asked me -

1233. She asked me -

1234. She had the effrontery

1235. to ask me to back Julius.

1236. “Not to desert him,” she said.

1237. “To stand behind our common lineage in the Townsend family.”

1238. If you back Julius, you can see the family through.

1239. If you don't, we will all,

1240. every one of us, fall into dishonor.

1241. I said to her -

1242. Honor's always been honor,

1243. and honesty's always been honesty in Manson Mingott's house

1244. and will be till I'm carried out feet first.

1245. And then she said, if you can believe this, “But my name, Auntie.”

1246. But my name, Auntie.

1247. My name's Regina Townsend!

1248. - And I said to her - - Your name was Beaufort

1249. when he covered you with jewels

1250. and it's got to stay Beaufort now that he's covered you with shame.

1251. Then I gave out.

1252. Simply gave out.

1253. And now family is arriving from all over, expecting a funeral,

1254. and they'll have to be entertained.

1255. I don't know how many notes Bencomb sent out.

1256. If there's anything we can do to help -

1257. Well, my Ellen is coming. I expressly asked for her.

1258. She arrives this afternoon on the train. If you could fetch her -

1259. Of course. If May will send the brougham, I'll take the ferry.

1260. Oh, fine.

1261. Fine. Thank you.

1262. There, you see, Granny? Everyone will be settled.

1263. Thank you, dear. Bless you.

1264. I didn't want to worry Granny, but how can you meet Ellen and bring her back here

1265. if you have to go to Washington yourself this afternoon?

1266. I'm not going. The case is off, postponed.

1267. I heard from Letterblair this morning.

1268. Postponed? How odd.

1269. Mama had a note from him this morning as well.

1270. He was concerned about Granny, but had to be away.

1271. He was arguing a big patent case before the Supreme Court.

1272. You did say it was a patent case, didn't you?

1273. Well, that's it. The whole office can't go, and Letterblair decided to go himself.

1274. So then it's not postponed?

1275. No, but my going is.

1276. Hyup.

1277. He knew it was two hours by ferry and carriage

1278. from the Pennsylvania terminus in Jersey City back to Mrs. Mingott's.

1279. All of two hours and maybe a little more.

1280. - You didn't expect me today? - No.

1281. I nearly came to Washington to see you. We would have missed each other.

1282. It was Granny Mingott who sent me. She's much better.

1283. You know, I hardly remembered you.

1284. - Hardly remembered? - I mean -

1285. I mean, each time is the same.

1286. You happen to me all over again.

1287. Yes, I know.

1288. For me too.

1289. Ellen, we can't stay like this. It can't last.

1290. I think we should look at reality, not dreams.

1291. I just want us to be together.

1292. I can't be your wife, Newland. Is it your idea I should live with you as your mistress?

1293. I want -

1294. Somehow I want to get away with you

1295. and find a world where words like that don't exist.

1296. Oh, my dear.

1297. Where is that country? Have you ever been there?

1298. Is there anywhere we can be happy behind the backs of people who trust us?

1299. - I'm beyond caring about that. - No, you're not.

1300. You've never been beyond that.

1301. I have.

1302. I know what it looks like. It's no place for us.

1303. Why - Why are we stopping? This - This isn't Granny's.

1304. No. I'll get out here.

1305. You were right. I shouldn't have come today.

1306. Hyup.

1307. What are you reading?

1308. Oh, it's a book about Japan.

1309. Why?

1310. I don't know.

1311. Because it's a different country.

1312. You used to read poetry.

1313. It was so nice when you read it to me.

1314. Newland, you'll catch your death.

1315. Of course.

1316. But then he realized, “I am dead.

1317. I've been dead for months and months.”

1318. Then it occurred to him that she might die.

1319. People did. Young people, healthy people did.

1320. She might die and set him free.

1321. Newland?

1322. Ellen, I have to see you.

1323. I didn't know when you were leaving again.

1324. I'm - I'm not leaving. Granny's asked me to stay and take care of her.

1325. Well, then we have to talk now.

1326. I'm due at Regina Beaufort's. Granny lent me her carriage.

1327. I know Granny says Julius Beaufort is a scoundrel, but so is my husband,

1328. and the family still want me to go back to him.

1329. Only Granny understands.

1330. She's even seen to my allowance.

1331. But I have to see you somewhere we can be alone.

1332. - In New York? - Alone. Somewhere we can be alone.

1333. The art museum in the park. 2:30 tomorrow.

1334. I'll be at the door.

1335. You came to New York because you were afraid -

1336. - Afraid? - of my coming to Washington.

1337. I thought I would be safer.

1338. Safer from me?

1339. Ellen?

1340. Sa-

1341. Safer from loving me?

1342. Shall I come to you once and then go home?

1343. Come to me once then.

1344. When?

1345. Tomorrow.

1346. The day after.

1347. I'm sorry I'm late.

1348. You weren't worried, were you?

1349. Is it late?

1350. It's past 7:00.

1351. I stayed at Granny's because Cousin Ellen came in.

1352. We had a wonderful talk. She was so dear.

1353. Just like the old Ellen.

1354. Granny was so charmed by her.

1355. But you can see though how the family's been annoyed with her at times.

1356. Going to see Regina Beaufort in Granny's carriage.

1357. Are we dining out tonight?

1358. You haven't kissed me today.

1359. It was the custom in old New York

1360. for brides to appear in their wedding dress

1361. during the first year or two of marriage.

1362. But May, since returning from Europe, had not worn her bridal satin

1363. until this evening.

1364. May, I'm sorry. My head's bursting.

1365. Please don't tell anyone. Come home with me now.

1366. Shouldn't you rest?

1367. My head's not as bad as that.

1368. And there's something important I have to say to you right away.

1369. May, there's something that I've got to tell you...

1370. about myself.

1371. Madame Olenska -

1372. Why should we talk about Ellen tonight?

1373. Because I should have spoken before and -

1374. Is it really worthwhile, dear?

1375. I know I've been unfair to her at times.

1376. Perhaps we all have.

1377. You've understood her better than any of us, I suppose.

1378. But does it matter now that it's all over?

1379. How do you mean, over?

1380. Why, since she's going back to Europe so soon.

1381. Granny's approved and understands.

1382. She's disappointed, of course, but she's arranged to make Ellen

1383. financially independent of the count.

1384. I thought you would have heard today at your offices.

1385. - It's impossible. - Impossible?

1386. Certainly she could have stayed here with Granny's extra money,

1387. but I guess she's given us up after all.

1388. How do you know that?

1389. From Ellen. I told you, I saw her at Granny's yesterday.

1390. And she told you that yesterday?

1391. No. She sent me a note this afternoon.

1392. Do you want to see it?

1393. I thought you knew.

1394. “May, dear, I have at last made Granny understand

1395. that my visit to her could be no more than a visit,

1396. and she has been as kind and generous as ever.”

1397. And she has been as kind and generous as ever.

1398. She sees now that if I return to Europe, I must live by myself.

1399. I am hurrying back to Washington to pack up, and I sail next week.

1400. You must be very good to Granny when I'm gone.

1401. As good as you've always been to me.

1402. If any of my friends wish to urge me to change my mind,

1403. please tell them it would be utterly useless.

1404. “Tell them it would be utterly useless. ”

1405. Why did she write this?

1406. I suppose because we talked things over yesterday.

1407. What things?

1408. I told her that I was afraid I hadn't always been fair to her,

1409. that I hadn't always understood how hard it must have been for her here.

1410. I knew you'd be the one friend she could always count on,

1411. and I wanted her to know that you and I were the same in all of our feelings.

1412. She understood why I wanted to tell her this.

1413. I think - I think she understands everything.

1414. My head aches too.

1415. - Good night, dear. - Good night.

1416. It was, as Mrs. Archer said to Mrs. Welland,

1417. a great e vent for a young couple to give their first dinner,

1418. and it was not to be undertaken lightly.

1419. There was a hired chef, two borrowed footmen,

1420. roses from Hendersons, Roman punch

1421. and menus on gilt-edged cards.

1422. It was considered a particular triumph that the Van der Luydens,

1423. at May's request,

1424. stayed in the city to be present at her farewell dinner

1425. for the Countess Olenska.

1426. have to leave New York after the displays.

1427. I- I liked her.

1428. Archer saw all the harmless-looking people at the table

1429. as a band of quiet conspirators,

1430. with himself and Ellen the center of their conspiracy.

1431. He guessed himself to have been, for months,

1432. the center of countless silently observing eyes

1433. and patiently listening ears.

1434. Scandal, loaning hundreds of...

1435. He understood that somehow

1436. the separation between himself and the partner of his guilt

1437. had been achieved.

1438. And he knew that now the whole tribe had rallied around his wife.

1439. He was a prisoner in the center of an armed camp.

1440. Wonder if they'll ever get it back.

1441. Regina's not well at all, but that doesn't stop Beaufort

1442. from devoting as much time to Annie Ring as he can manage.

1443. The best thing Beaufort could do would be to go and stay

1444. at Regina's little place in North Carolina.

1445. He could breed trotters.

1446. And the key to his release had been returned the day before

1447. by mail, unopened.

1448. He may stay here as a deliberate challenge to the outrage he's created.

1449. Perhaps he'll run for public office.

1450. Then will Annie Ring be his first lady?

1451. Was your trip from Washington very tiring?

1452. The heat on the train was dreadful,

1453. but all travel has its hardships.

1454. Oh, whatever they may be, they're worth it just to get away.

1455. I mean to do a lot of traveling myself soon.

1456. Hmm?

1457. What about you, Phillip? What about a little adventure?

1458. Athens and Smyrna, maybe? Maybe even Constantinople.

1459. - Possibly. Possibly. - But not Naples.

1460. Dr. Bencomb says there's a fever.

1461. Oh, really? A fever in Naples.

1462. Well, there's always India, of course.

1463. You must have three weeks to do India properly.

1464. Absolutely.

1465. Beaufort may not receive invitations anymore,

1466. but it's clear he still maintains a certain position.

1467. Horizontal, from all I've heard.

1468. If things go on like this, we'll be seeing our children fighting

1469. for invitations to swindler's houses

1470. and marrying Beaufort's bastards.

1471. - Has he got any? - Be careful there, gentlemen.

1472. Draw it mild. Draw it mild.

1473. Society has a history of tolerating vulgar women, after all.

1474. Up to a point.

1475. Once it tolerates men of that kind, the only prospect is -

1476. Have you ever noticed,

1477. it's the people with the worst cooks who are always yelling

1478. about being poisoned when they dine out?

1479. Lefferts used to be a little more adept, I thought.

1480. But then, grace is not always required

1481. as long as one knows the steps.

1482. Mark you, I hear there may be pressing news...

1483. I've never heard Lefferts so abound in the sentiments

1484. that adorn Christian manhood.

1485. indignation lends a scathing eloquence.

1486. It's almost as effective as fear.

1487. The pressure at home must be unrelenting.

1488. I never expected to hear such a paean to the sanctity of the home.

1489. My mother had a bronze reduction of the Venus de Milo she wanted to give us

1490. for that space, but...

1491. The silent organization which held this whole small world together

1492. was determined to put itself on record.

1493. It had never for a moment questioned the propriety of Madame Olenska's conduct.

1494. It had never questioned Archer's fidelity.

1495. - Excuse me. - And it had never heard of, suspected

1496. or even conceived possible anything at all to the contrary.

1497. Ellen.

1498. From the seamless performance of this ritual,

1499. Archer knew that New York believed him to be Madame Olenska's lover.

1500. discussing the Martha Washington ball.

1501. Yes, we have it during Easter week, to benefit the blind society.

1502. - They do excellent work, I'm told. - Lawrence. Lawrence.

1503. And he understood for the first time

1504. that his wife shared the belief.

1505. - You must come visit me when you do. - Yes.

1506. I'll write to you as soon as I'm settled and let you know where I am.

1507. - Oh, yes. That would be lovely. - Shall I see you to your carriage?

1508. We're driving dear Ellen home.

1509. Good-bye.

1510. Good-bye. I'll see you very soon in Paris.

1511. Oh, if you and May could come.

1512. Shall we make our way to the carriage, my dear?

1513. - Delightful evening, Newland. - Good night, Newland.

1514. Good night, Sillerton. Good night, Larry.

1515. Hyup.

1516. It did go off beautifully, didn't it?

1517. Oh, yes.

1518. May I come in and talk it over?

1519. Of course.

1520. - But you must be very sleepy. - No, I'm not.

1521. - I'd like to be with you a little. - Fine.

1522. If you feel up to it, May...

1523. there is something that I've been wanting to talk to you about.

1524. And I tried to talk to you the other evening.

1525. - Oh, yes, dear. Something about yourself? - About myself, yes.

1526. It's so difficult to find the right words.

1527. It's just that I feel so terribly tired at the moment...

1528. and I think each day a little more so.

1529. And I think it would be better for everyone if I were to make a break.

1530. You mean, give up the law?

1531. Well, certainly that would be a part of it, and also just to -

1532. just to get away.

1533. I'd like to do some traveling.

1534. To Europe, or...

1535. Perhaps even farther.

1536. How far?

1537. I don't know. I thought India or Japan.

1538. Um-

1539. As far as that.

1540. Well...

1541. I'm afraid you can't, dear.

1542. Not unless you take me with you.

1543. That is, if the doctors will let me go, and I'm afraid they won't.

1544. And I've been sure of something since this morning,

1545. and I've been longing to tell you.

1546. Oh, my dear.

1547. You didn't guess?

1548. No.

1549. I mean, of course I hoped, but...

1550. Have you told anyone else?

1551. Only Mama and your mother

1552. and Ellen.

1553. I told you we had a long talk one afternoon

1554. and how wonderful she was to me.

1555. Did - Did you mind my telling her, Newland?

1556. Mind? Why should I?

1557. That was two weeks ago, wasn't it?

1558. I thought you just said you weren't sure till today.

1559. Mmm.

1560. No,

1561. I wasn't sure then, but I told her I was.

1562. And you see?

1563. I was right.

1564. It was the room

1565. in which most of the real things of his life had happened.

1566. Their eldest boy, Theodore,

1567. too delicate to be taken to church in midwinter,

1568. had been christened there.

1569. I baptize thee in the name of the Father

1570. and of the Son

1571. and of the Holy Spirit.

1572. It was here that Ted took his first steps.

1573. And it was here that Archer and his wife

1574. always discussed the future of all their children -

1575. Bill's interest in archaeology,

1576. Mary's passion for sport and philanthropy,

1577. Ted's inclination toward art

1578. that led to a job with an architect

1579. as well as some considerable redecoration.

1580. It was in this room that Mary had announced her engagement -

1581. I'm so happy for you.

1582. to the dullest and most reliable of Larry Lefferts' many sons.

1583. And it was in this room, too,

1584. that her father had kissed her through her wedding veil

1585. before they motored to Grace Church.

1586. He was a dutiful and loving father and a faithful husband.

1587. When May died of infectious pneumonia after nursing Bill safely through,

1588. he had honestly mourned her.

1589. The world of her youth had fallen into pieces

1590. and rebuilt itself without her ever noticing.

1591. This hard, bright blindness,

1592. her incapacity to recognize change

1593. made her children conceal their views from her

1594. just as Archer concealed his.

1595. She died thinking the world a good place

1596. full of loving and harmonious households like her own.

1597. Newland Archer, in his 57th year,

1598. mourned his past and honored it.

1599. Yes. Hello. Hello?

1600. - Chicago wants you. - Hello?

1601. - Dad? - Is that you, Ted?

1602. Dad, I'm just about finished out here, but my client wants me

1603. to look at some gardens before I start designing.

1604. - That sounds fine. Where? - Europe.

1605. Gracious.

1606. I'll have to sail next Wednesday on the Mauretania.

1607. - What, and miss the wedding? - I think Annie will wait for me.

1608. I'll be back on the first. and our wedding's not till the fifth.

1609. - I'm surprised you remembered the date. - Well, Dad, I was hoping you'd join me.

1610. What?

1611. I'll need you to remind me of what's important.

1612. What do you say? It'll be our last father-and-son trip.

1613. - Oh, Ted, I do appreciate the invitation - - Wonderful!

1614. Can you call the Cunard office first thing tomorrow?

1615. It would take me till next Wednesday just to cancel -

1616. I won't hear it, Dad. The Atlantic is calling us.

1617. I'll be in New York on Monday, and I'll contact you then.

1618. - You'll be in New - - On Monday.

1619. - I'll see what I can do. - Settle the tickets, Dad.

1620. I can't promise anything, Ted. I'll see what I can do, all right?

1621. Bye-bye. - Bye.

1622. I'm going out to Versailles with Tourneur. Will you join us?

1623. I thought I'd go to the Louvre.

1624. I'll meet you there later then.

1625. Countess Olenska's expecting us at half past 5:00.

1626. What?

1627. Oh, didn't I tell you?

1628. Annie made me swear to do three things in Paris -

1629. Get her the score of the last Debussy songs,

1630. go to the Grand Guignol and see Madame Olenska.

1631. You know, she was awfully good to Annie when

1632. Mr. Beaufort sent her over to the Sorbonne.

1633. Wasn't the countess friendly with Mr. Beaufort's first wife or something?

1634. I think Mrs. Beaufort said that she was.

1635. In any case, I called the countess first thing this morning,

1636. introduced myself as her cousin -

1637. Did you tell her I was here, Ted?

1638. Of course.

1639. Why not? She sounds lovely.

1640. Was she?

1641. Lovely?

1642. I don't know.

1643. She was different.

1644. Whenever he thought of Ellen Olenska,

1645. it had been abstractly, serenely,

1646. like an imaginary loved one in a book or picture.

1647. She had become the complete vision of all that he had missed.

1648. I'm only 57.

1649. Did Mr. Beaufort really have such a bad time of it when he wanted to remarry?

1650. No one wanted to give him an inch?

1651. Perhaps because he'd already taken so much.

1652. As if anyone remembers anymore.

1653. Or cares.

1654. Well, Annie Ring and he did have a lovely daughter.

1655. You're very lucky.

1656. We're very lucky, you mean.

1657. Yes, of course that's what I mean.

1658. So, considering how that all turned out and considering all the time that's gone by,

1659. I don't see how you can resist.

1660. Well, I did have some resistance at first to your marriage, as I told you.

1661. No. I mean, resist seeing the woman you almost threw everything over for.

1662. Only you didn't.

1663. I didn't?

1664. No.

1665. But Mother said that she knew we would be safe.

1666. Your mother?

1667. Yes. The day before she died, she asked to see me alone, remember?

1668. She said she knew we were safe with you and always would be

1669. because once, when she asked you to...

1670. you gave up the thing that you wanted most.

1671. She never asked.

1672. She never asked me.

1673. After a little while, he did not regret Ted's indiscretion.

1674. It seemed to take an iron band from his heart

1675. to know that, after all,

1676. someone had guessed and pitied.

1677. And that it should have been his wife moved him inexpressibly.

1678. The porter says it's the third floor.

1679. Must be the one with the awnings.

1680. It's nearly 6:00.

1681. I think I'll just sit for a while.

1682. Do you mean you won't come?

1683. - You really won't come at all? - I don't know.

1684. She won't understand.

1685. Go on, Ted. Maybe I'll follow you.

1686. What will I tell her?

1687. Don't you always have something to say?

1688. I'll tell her you're old-fashioned and you insist on walking up three flights

1689. instead of taking the elevator.

1690. Just say I'm old-fashioned.

1691. That should be enough.

1692. Go on.

1693. Go on.