The Age of Innocence Page #3

At least he's had the advantage|of association with gentlemen.

The Archers and the Mingotts|were the sturdiest branches...

...of New York's tangled family tree.

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

...and tolerate Ellen's|unconventionality.

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

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

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

"Their strong right hand. "

Was our new cousin at the ball?

I appreciate the Mingotts' support|of her, having her at the opera.

I admire their esprit de corps.

But why my son's engagement...

...should be mixed up with her comings|and goings, I don't see.

In any case, she was not at the ball.

At least she had that decency.

Does she wear a round hat|or a bonnet in the afternoon?

The dress she wore|to the opera was so plain.

- It was in better taste not to go.|- It wasn't taste.

May said Ellen decided|her dress wasn't smart enough.

Poor Ellen.

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

What can you expect of a girl who wore|black satin at her coming-out ball?

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

I'd have changed it to Elaine.

Why?

I don't know.

It sounds more...

...Polish.

It sounds more conspicuous.|That can hardly be what she wishes.

Why shouldn't she be conspicuous|if she chooses?

She made an awful marriage,|but should she hide her head?

Should she slink around|as if she disgraced herself?

She's had a sad life.|That doesn't make her an outcast.

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

I needn't wait for their cue,|if that's what you mean.

I'm told she's looking for a house.|She intends to live here.

I hear she means to get a divorce.

I hope she will.

Understandably, her marriage|was intolerable.

- There are the rumors too.|- I've heard them.

The secretary.

He helped get her away|from the husband.

They say the count kept her|practically a prisoner.

Certainly the count|had his own way of life.

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

Handsome, they say...

...but eyes with a lot of lashes.

When he wasn't with women...

...he was collecting china.

Paying any price for both,|I understand.

Then where's the blame?

Any one of us would have helped the|countess, just as the secretary did.

He was still helping her a year later.

Somebody met them|living together at Lausanne.

Living together?

Why not? She has the right|to make her life over.

Why bury a woman alive|if her husband prefers whores?

It's hardly a question of entombment.

The countess is here, after all.

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

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