How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
Archer's New York tolerated hypocrisy in private relations; but in business matters it exacted a limpid and impeccable honesty. (26.17)
Despite all the moral posturing, New York society is really just basically materialistic. The real god is money, and bankruptcy is a mortal sin. Also the word 'limpid' is hi-larious. Nothing in Archer's New York is clear or limpid.
Quote #11
It was the old New York way of taking life "without effusion of blood": the way of people who dreaded scandal more than disease, who placed decency above courage, and who considered that nothing was more ill-bred than "scenes," except the behavior of those who gave rise to them. (33.43)
New York society is scandal-shy, and making scenes is considered vulgar. "Keeping it real" is not part of this society's vocabulary.