fatuity—complacent stupidity; smug foolishness.
Ilium—the Latin name for Troy, an ancient Phrygian city in northwest Asia Minor.
sarcophagi—among the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, limestone coffins or tombs, often inscribed and elaborately ornamented.
repast—food and drink for a meal.
jardiniere—an ornamental bowl, pot, or stand for flowers or plants.
affability—cordial quality; friendliness or gentleness.
philippic—a long, vehement speech, especially one of denunciation; harangue.
“dressed by Poole”—Lefferts’ clothes are from fashionable Saville Row in London where Henry Poole and Company are tailors to “gentlemen.”
