Newland Archer's Oper Glass to Lawrence Lefferts

Lawrence lefferts was, on the whole, the foremost authority on form in new york. He had probably devoted more time than any one else to the study of this intricate and fascinating question. The habit of masculine solidarity made him accept their doctrine in all issues called moral. So he instinctively felt that it would be troublesome and also rather bad form, to strike out for himself. For old mister jackson was as great an authority on family as lawrence leffERTs was on form. But study alone could not account for his complete and easy competence. Newland archer felt himself distinctly the superior of the chosen specimens of old new york gentility.