The Age of Innocence, Part III: samenvatting

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1. The narrator describes how the Beauforts’ lavish hospitality secures their social position despite doubts about Julius Beaufort’s background.
2. Mrs. Beaufort leaves the Opera, signaling that her annual ball begins shortly.
3. Archer arrives nervously, fearing that the Mingotts might bring Countess Olenska to the gathering.
4. May announces her engagement, and Archer joins her for a dance before they retreat to the conservatory.
5. Archer kisses May, then falsely claims he lacks an opportunity to tell Ellen about their engagement.
6. May explains Ellen’s absence through her dissatisfaction with her dress, while Archer privately assumes an unspoken social reason.

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Archer treats silence about social discomfort as a virtue. His pleasure in May’s restraint connects their intimacy with the conventions surrounding Ellen.

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