"By being so quiet, so unsurprised and so simple she had managed to brush away the conventions and make him feel that to seek to be alone was the natural thing for two old friends who had so much to say to each other...."

less than 50 pages to the end of the age of innocence... i like the novel that it explores Archer's inner self struggle against the social conventions in the 19th century upper new york society. I remember reading Edith Wharton's "Ethan Frome" and that story is similar to this one in that both of them talk about the social retraints. how do you want to live your life? would you go against the society to pursue your dreams and desires? do you have the courage to face the society even if they look down on you because of your history? hmm... what would you do if your family seeks for your support for something you don't necessarily agree on? I wonder what the ending to this novel will be... i have a feeling that the ending is doomed for the unhappiness of Archer. We'll see...