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The Age of Innocence[At the Theatre in the evening. Newland Archer enters the box. Steps to the front,joining the company of several men, including Larry Lefferts and Sillerton Jackson. Larrylooks at stage through pearl opera glasses. Then he swings his opera glasses away fromthe stage and t
through the crimson drawing room could one see "Return of Spring," the
much-discussed nude by Bougeureau, which Beaufort had had the audacity to hang in
plain sight. Archer had not gone back to his club after the Opera, as young men
usually did, but had walked for some distance up Fifth Avenue before turning back in
the direction of the Beauforts'. He was definitely afraid that the family might be
going too far and would bring the Countess Olenska. He was more than ever
determined to "see the thing through," but he felt less chivalrously inclined to
defend the Countess after their brief talk at the opera.
[Archer enters the ballroom. The first man he sees is Larry Lefferts, deep in
conversation with an attractive young woman]
NARRATOR
On the whole, Lawrence Lefferts was the foremost authority on "form" in New York.
On the question of pumps versus patent-leather Oxfords, his authority had never been
disputed.
[Archer continues through the party. Holding court and amusing a group of older women is
Sillerton Jackson]
NARRATOR
Old Mr. Sillerton Jackson was as great an authority on "family" as Lawrence Lefferts
was on "form." In addition to a forest of family trees, he carried a register of
the scandals and mysteries that had smouldered under the unruffled surface of
society for the past fifty years.
[Archer continues moving throught he party. Julius Beaufort crosses in front him,
conversing with a guest]
GUEST
(in mid-discussion)
But I didn't see you there this evening. Madame Nilsson was in such splendid voice.
BEAUFORT
(snide)
The usual splendor, I'm sure.
NARRATOR
Julius Beaufort had speedily made a name for himself in the world of affairs. His
secret, all were agreed, was the way he carried things off. His social obligations
and the rumors that perpetually swirled around him, all were borne easily before
him.
[May Welland is surrounded by gleeful friends who are obviously reacting to her engagement
announcement. Archer and May are in another room behind a tall screen of ferns and
camellias. Archer kisses May's hand]
MAY
You see, I told all my friends. Just as you asked.
ARCHER
Yes, I couldn't wait. Only wish it hadn't had to be at a ball.
MAY
Yes, I know. But after all, even here we're alone together aren't we?
ARCHER
Always. The worst of it is...
[He takes a quick look around the room: no one's nearby]
ARCHER
...that I want to kiss you and I can't.
[He does it anyways which pleasure and surprises May. They walk to a sofa, which affords
a bit of privacy, and sit]
MAY
Did you tell Ellen, as I asked you?
ARCHER
No. I didn't have the chance after all.
MAY
She's my cousin, if others know before she does...It's just that she's been away for
so long that she's rather sensitive.
ARCHER
Of course I'll tell her, dearest. But I haven't seen her yet.
MAY
She decided not to come at the last minute.
ARCHER
At the last minute?
MAY
She was afraid her dress wasn't smart enough. We all thought it was so lovely, but
she asked my aunt to take her home.
ARCHER
Oh well.
[Archer smiles, May smiles back. They get up and go back to the ballroom to dance]
[In a sitting room the next day. Mrs. Manson Mingott is admiring a large thick sapphire
set in invisible claws]
MRS. MINGOTT
Very handsome. Very liberal. In my time a cameo set in pearls was thought to be
sufficient.
MRS. WELLAND
It's the new setting. Of course it shows the stone beautifully, but it looks bare
old-fashioned eyes.
MRS. MINGOTT
I hope you don't mean mine, my dear. I like all the novelties. But it's the hand
that sets off the ring, isn't it, my dear Mr. Archer? My hands were modeled in
Paris by the great Rochee. He should do May's.
[She reaches out for May's hand]
MRS. MINGOTT
Her hand is tempered. It's these modern sports that spread the joints. But the
skin is white.
(staring straight at Archer)
And when's the wedding to be?
MRS. WELLAND
(a little flustered)
Oh...
ARCHER
(jumping in)
As soon as ever it can. If only you'll back me up, Mrs. Mingott.
