Ada Brook quotes from The Gilded Age

Agnes van Rhijn

She thanks you for the letter that you did not show me and for the tickets that you purchased without my knowledge. She means to join us here just as soon as she has closed the house and sold her furniture.

Ada Brook

What a relief.

Agnes van Rhijn

A relief? And who is to support her? Exactly. Me. With the Van Rhijn money, which was not achieved at no cost to myself. You were allowed the pure and tranquil life of a spinster. I was not.

Ada Brook

I'm very grateful.

Agnes van Rhijn

So you should be.

Agnes van Rhijn

Now you need to know, we only receive the old people in this house. Not the new. Never the new.

Marian Brook

What's the difference?

Agnes van Rhijn

The old have been in charge since before the Revolution. They ruled, justly, until the new people invaded.

Ada Brook

It's not quite as simple as that.

Agnes van Rhijn

Yes, it is.

Marian Brook

Well, I'm new. I've only just arrived.

Agnes van Rhijn

Marian, never mind that the Brooks have been in Pennsylvania for a century and a half. My mother, your grandmother, was a Livingston of Livingston Manor, and they came to this city in 1674. You belong to old New York, my dear, and don't let anyone tell you different. You are my niece, and you belong to old New York.

Ada Brook

Well I like her strong views. I like her energy. Don't worry, Agnes. She's clever. She'll learn the rules.

Agnes van Rhijn

Will she? Revolutions are launched by clever people with strong views and excess energy.

Agnes van Rhijn

Who is this Mr. Raikes?

Ada Brook

The lawyer who settled Henry's estate.

Agnes van Rhijn

Do we have to receive him?

Ada Brook

He waived his fee.

Agnes van Rhijn

Oh, I see. Well, let's make it tea and be quick about it.

Agnes van Rhijn

Mrs. Russell has fired her maid.

Marian Brook

I'm amazed. She didn't give a hint of it when I was with her.

Ada Brook

You must have been more eloquent than you realized.

Marian Brook

Will you write to her?

Agnes van Rhijn

Of course I won't write to her! She might write back.

Ada Brook

You must acknowledge the letter. She's done what you asked.

Peggy Scott

[entering] Is there anything that you'd like me to do before you get changed?

Agnes van Rhijn

Please thank Mrs. Russell for this note, but without a trace of warmth.

Mr. Dawson had a low opinion of how we give out communion.

Ada Brook

What part of it was he criticizing?

The part where I offer communion to those he deems undeserving.

Ada Brook

What you must have to put up with.

Let's just say some of God's children can be very tiresome.