The vast majority of poor Americans enjoy luxuries unavailable to the Vanderbilts and Astors of 150 years ago, such as electricity, air-conditioning and colour televisions.

150年前，就算是范德堡（ Vanderbilt）和阿斯特（ Astor）家族也享受不到如今绝大多数美国贫困人口都享有的奢侈，如电力、空调和彩色电视机。

Your mother knows the Astors, at least she knows him. We dined with Lady Rothes last month. There are bound to be others.

你妈妈认识阿斯特一家 至少认识他本人。我们上个月还和罗斯小姐共进晚餐。势必还有其他熟人。

The Astors, the Goelets, the Rhinelanders, the Beekmans, the Brevoorts, and practically all the mighty families that ruled the old Knickerbocker aristocracy in New York were huge land proprietors.

Astors、Goelets、Rhinelanders、Beekmans、Brevoorts 以及几乎所有统治纽约旧尼克博克贵族的强大家族都是大土地所有者。