The Age of Innocence Chapter 9 Summary

  • After spending the day visiting family with May and Mrs. Welland, Newland arrives at Madame Olenska's a little after 5 p.m. the next day. Madame Olenska lives in a bohemian neighborhood that isn't as stylish as the neighborhoods where everybody else in Archer's circle lives.
  • Madame Olenska isn't in, but her Italian maid asks him to wait in her drawing room.
  • Soon, Newland sees Madame Olenska arrive outside with Julius Beaufort. She and Julius speak, and then Julius leaves in his carriage.
  • Madame Olenska enters the house and greets Newland. They have a conversation about how maze-like New York society can be. Madame Olenska finds all the social rules overwhelming and even cries a little. This makes Newland uncomfy.
  • The Duke of St. Austrey arrives along with Mrs. Struthers. Newland takes his leave.
  • Newland stops by his florist's. He's forgotten to send May the lilies-of-the-valley that he sends her every day. He also sees some yellow roses, which he sends to Madame Olenska, but without a card with his name.