The Age of Innocence Chapter 16 Summary

  • When Newland arrives at St. Augustine, he meets up with May in front of their family home.
  • He kisses her — a little too firmly, because she seems taken aback. She's not that kind of girl.
  • They go in for breakfast with May's family.
  • The Wellands are concerned that Newland is coming down with a cold, and Newland encourages this illusion. He tells his employer that he'll be gone for a week taking care of his "cold."
  • In a private conversation with Mrs. Welland, she thanks Newland for convincing Madame Olenska to give up her divorce suit.
  • In a private conversation with May, Newland tries to convince her to push up the wedding date. She rejects the idea.
  • May asks him if there's anybody else, say, a married woman? Newland thinks she's talking about his old flame Mrs. Thorley Rushworth, and says there's no one. May is pleased.