aristocracy, supporting the fact that the van der Luydens are the most revered family. Next the narrator makes it known to readers that "[Mrs.] and Mr. van der Luyden were so exactly alike… neither had ever reached a decision without prefacing it by [a] mysterious conclave" (52), this conclave being, "I shall first have to talk this over with my husband/wife." This shows that, one, the van der Luydens cannot be characterized separately for they are exactly alike, and, two, they consult each other before making decisions. Once again the narrator brings forward, quite openly, information about said characters. The narrator’s informing the reader of such facts sets up the reasoning behind the character’s motivations, and the reactions of other characters. One of such instances involves Archer and Mrs. Mingott’s seeking of the advice of the van der Luydens. First, it is important to note that double-checking one’s plans, as Archer does here, indicates the high status of the van der Luydens. Archer and Mrs. Mingott’s having to ask another family for the "proper" thing to do proves their dominance over society and that they are the experts of "good form." Archer, then, proceeds to tell his narrative of Ellen’s being

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