The Age of Innocence Book 1 Chapter 08

In which the Countess Olenska returns to New York bearing the softened grace and quiet dignity of a life far from home, stirring both curiosity and restrained admiration among the city's most select circles. At a formal dinner hosted by the venerable van der Luydens, Newland Archer finds himself drawn into intimate, candid conversation with the enigmatic lady, which momentarily lifts the heavy curtains of societal expectation.