Introduction

Newland archer sat at the writing table in his library in east 30 ninth street. He had just got back from a big, official reception for the inauguration of the new galleries at the metropolitan museum. The vision had roused a host of other associations and he sat looking with new eyes at the library. It was the room in which most of the real things of his life had happened. There dalis had first staggered across the floor shouting dad, while may and the nurse laughed behind the door. And there archer had kissed her through her wedding veil, before they went down to the motor which was to carry them to grace church.