The Age of Innocence Page #3

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

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

It seems stupid to make America|a copy of another country.

Would Columbus have taken such trouble|just to go to the opera with Lefferts?

If he'd known Larry Lefferts were|here, he might never have left port.

And May? Does she share these views?

If she does, she'd never say so.

Are you very much in love with her?

As much as a man can be.

Do you think there's a limit?

If there is, I haven't found it.

It's really and truly a romance then.

Not in the least arranged?

In our country, we don't allow|our marriages to be arranged.

Yes, I forgot. I'm sorry.

I sometimes make these mistakes.

I don't always remember|that everything here is good...

...that was bad where I came from.

I'm so sorry.

But you know you are|among friends here.

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

You'll want to be with May.

She's already surrounded|by so many rivals.

Then stay with me a little longer.

Yes.

Mr. Urban Dagonet,|the Countess Olenska.

- How do you do, my dear?|- How do you do?

Tomorrow then, after 5,|I'll expect you.

Tomorrow.

Excuse me.

It was good of you|to devote yourself...

...to Madame Olenska|so unselfishly, dear Newland.

I told Henry|he really must rescue you.

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

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

Mr. Archer.

So how do you like|this odd little house?

To me, it's like heaven.

You've arranged it delightfully.

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

Little pieces of wreckage.

At least it's less gloomy|than the van der Luydens'...

...and not so difficult to be alone.

I'm sure it's often thought|the van der Luydens' is gloomy...

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

Do you really like to be alone?

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

I see you've already chosen|your corner.

- Please, sit.|- Thank you.

This is the hour I like best.

Don't you?

I was afraid you'd forgotten the hour.

I'm sure Beaufort|can be very intriguing.

He took me to see some houses.

I'm told I must move, even though this|street seems perfectly respectable.

- Yes, but it's not fashionable.|- Fashionable?

Is fashion such|a serious consideration?

Among people with nothing|more serious to consider.

Perhaps I've been too independent.

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

The van der Luydens|do nothing by halves.

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

It was so kind. Such a nice party.

Cream or lemon?

Lemon, please.

The van der Luydens are the most|powerful influence in society.

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

- Perhaps that's the reason then.|- Thank you. The reason?

For their influence.|They make themselves so rare.

But of course you must tell me.

No, it's you telling me.

Then we can both help each other.

But I need help so much more.

There are so many people already...

...to tell you what to do.

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

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

Is New York such a labyrinth?

I thought it was all straight|up and down, like 5th Avenue.

All the cross streets numbered...

...and big honest labels|on everything.

Everything is labeled...

...but everybody is not.

I must count on you for warnings too.

All the older women like you.|They want to help.

I know. As long as they don't hear|anything unpleasant.

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

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

...who only ask you to pretend.

No, you mustn't.

Madame Olenska.

Ellen....

Does no one cry here, either?

I suppose there's no need to.

Oh, Mr. Archer, good evening.

We didn't see you and weren't|sure whether to send Miss Welland--

Lilies of the valley.|Let's make it a standing order.

Very good, sir.

And those yellow roses.|I'll give you another address.

Very good.

- They'll go at once?|- At once.

It's wonderful to wake|with lilies of the valley.

It's like being with you.

They came late yesterday, I know.|Time got away from me.

But still, you always remember.

I sent roses to Ellen too.|Was that right?

Very right.

She didn't mention it|at lunch today, though.

...and a hamper of carnations|from Henry van der Luyden.

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

- I know you consider it a long time.|- Very long.

But the Chivers were engaged for a|year and a half, the Lefferts for two.

Mama expects something customary.

Since you were little, you've had|your way. You're almost 22.

Just tell your mother what you want.

I can't refuse her the last thing|she'd ask of me.

Can't we just strike out|for ourselves?

Shall we elope?

If you would, why not?

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

Well, why not be happier?

I couldn't be happier, dearest.

I showed Ellen the ring. She thought|it was the most beautiful setting.

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

I do love you, Newland.

Everything you do is so special.

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

Countess Olenska wants|to divorce her husband.

It's been suggested|she means to marry again...

...although she denies it.

I beg your pardon,|but because of my engagement...

...perhaps another member|of the firm could consider this.

Precisely because of your|prospective alliance...

...and considering members|of the family asked for you...

...I'd like you to consider it.

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

Their position is clear.

They're entirely and rightly|against a divorce.

But Countess Olenska|still insists on a legal opinion.

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

She's here.

He's there.

The whole Atlantic's between them.

As things go,|Olenski's acted generously.

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

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

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

Considering all that, the wisest thing|is to do as the family say.

Just let well enough alone.

I think that's for her to decide.

Have you considered the consequences|if the countess decides for divorce?

- Consequences for the countess?|- For everyone.

I don't think the count's accusations|are anything more than vague charges.

It will make for some talk.

I've heard talk about the countess|and the secretary...

...even before I read|the legal papers.

It's certain to be unpleasant.

Unpleasant?

Divorce is always unpleasant,|don't you agree?

Naturally.

Then I can count on you?

The family can count on you to use|your influence against a divorce?

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

I don't understand you.

You want to marry into a family|with a divorce hanging over it?

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

Can someone take this to the countess?

You refuse such an invitation|on threat of death.

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