“Charity Has Two Functions” quotes from The Gilded Age

Agnes van Rhijn

Charity has two functions in our world, my dear. The first is to raise funds for the less fortunate, which is wholly good. The second is to provide a ladder for people to climb into society who do not belong there.

Marian Brook

And that is wholly bad?

Agnes van Rhijn

Not wholly, perhaps, but it should give us pause.

Marian Brook

So Mr. McAllister's opinion is important?

Aurora Fane

Is any of it important?

Before you think me a simpleton, I am well aware that Mrs. Russell is using the charity ladder to climb into the ballrooms of New York. I can still be grateful she chose my charity to be that ladder.