George Russell quotes from The Gilded Age

George Russell

I may be a bastard, Mr. Thorburn, but you are a fool. And of the two, I think I know which I prefer. Now, good day to you, sir.

George Russell

Why must I be the villain in every story?!

If you want me to kneel, I'll kneel. If you want me to beg, I am begging now. We've already lost enough to make us poor. But if it goes on for much longer, there are some among us facing ruin. Please. End it.

George Russell

I won't say I feel no pity, because I do. But you have not only tried to get the better of me. You and Mrs. Morris have snubbed and belittled my wife. How could I allow that to go unpunished? I don't suggest that you men committed every crime that I'm avenging here. But to employ a modern phrase, I'm afraid you must face the music.

You are not a gentleman, sir.

George Russell

That's a subject for another time.

Unions are stronger now, they will grow stronger still, and you will have to deal with them.

George Russell

I am a man of business. And I have jobs to offer in my mills, in my factories, and on my railroads, and I pay the going rate. If your men don't want to work for me, then I suggest they step aside and make way for the many who do.

Bertha Russell

Betrayal is not like a case of influenza.

George Russell

No, it feels more like a death sentence.

Bertha Russell

Should I care about the feelings of a former lady's maid who attempted to seduce my husband?

George Russell

May I find hope in your use of the word 'attempted'?

Bertha Russell

It was never her claim that hurt me, but your silence.

George Russell

Will you forgive me now?

Bertha Russell

If I do, enjoy it. There will be no more forgiveness if you hide any such thing from me again.

George Russell

I've missed you, my darling. You can't know how much.