This line from the novel occurs in a scene after dinner at
the Buchanans when Jordan Baker tells everyone good night and retires. After she leaves,
Tom observes that Jordan's family should not let her "run around the country" on her
own. Daisy points out that Jordan's only family is an elderly aunt. She adds that Nick
will be looking out for Jordan. Nick just met Jordan, but Daisy is either matchmaking
(she had mentioned earlier pairing Nick and Jordan), or she is simply taking issue with
what Tom has said. It is at this point she adds:
She's going to spend lots of week-ends out here
this summer. I think the home influence will be very good for
her.
More significant than
what Daisy says is what happens immediately after. She and Tom "looked at each other for
a moment in silence," and Nick quickly asks if Jordan is from New York, his intention
being to break the awkward moment between Tom and
Daisy.
Daisy is speaking ironically, sarcastically. She
knows Tom is having an affair. His mistress had interrupted their evening a little while
earlier by calling Tom at home, and he and Daisy had argued about this inside the house
while Nick and Jordan sat outside. The "home influence" at the Buchanans is nonexistent.
Their "home" is merely a beautiful house because their marriage is one of convenience
and infidelity.
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