Chapter 8-10

Chapter 8- Many at the dinner felt that the Countess Olenska had "lost her looks." Ellen showed up late and flustered, yet unaware that she was breaking multiple "New York rules," by her actions. The Duke and the Countess had a long conversation in the corner when they should of greeted many guests before talking to one person in particular but apparently they knew each other from dinners in Europe. After when Ellen is talking to Newland she says that the Duke is "the dullest man she has ever met," which is certainly something never said. They discuss the engagement and Ellen admits that she wishes that she remembered all the customs so she would stop making mistakes, just as the conversation ends, Ellen tells Newland to come by the next day after 5.

Chapter 9- Newland went to Countess Olenska's house the next day, which was all wrong by New York standards. First of all it was on the wrong part of the city in a strange area, then it was decorated oddly, also Newland was waiting quite awhile before Ellen arrived. Ellen again hints that she would like to know all the customs of New York. His first idea is to stay away from Beaufort. Then the Duke from the party arrived with Mrs. Struthers, they invite Ellen to Mrs. Struthers house tomorrow for music and fun, and Ellen accepts. When Newland leaves he buys sends flowers to May, as usual but also sends some yellow roses to Ellen, but without a name.

Chapter 10- The next day, Newland and May go for a walk together in the park, when Newland talks of eloping May being a good girl laughs and changes the subject. Yet he still thinks about eloping and change. That night Janey came into his room saying that his mother was awfully angry because Ellen had gone to Mrs. Struthers's party, but she shouldn't of because Mrs. Struthers is too "common." The van der Luydens come to visit, who heard where Ellen was and want to try and help her learn of New York's many ways.