But marriage is one long sacrifice.... Chapter 21, Medora Manson speaking to Newland Archer

Silence may be as variously shaded as speech.

I feel as if I could trust my happiness to carry me; as if it had grown out of me like wings.

Think what stupid things the people must have done with their money who say they're 'happier without'.

It was the old New York way...the way people who dreaded scandal more than disease, who placed decency above courage, and who considered that nothing was more ill-bred than "scenes", except those who gave rise to them.

I'm afraid I'm an incorrigible life-lover, life-wonderer, and adventurer.

The air of ideas is the only air worth breathing.