The Gilded Age quotes

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.

Peggy Scott

If I spent every day fighting with bigots, I'd never get anything done.

What are your thoughts on electricity?

Peggy Scott

Are you talking about Mr. Edison's lights?

Mr. Edison is not solely responsible.

Peggy Scott

Who else was involved?

Namely, Lewis Latimer, a colored inventor. He created a better carbon filament. That's the thing in the bulb that helps keep the lights on, so to speak.

Peggy Scott

Well, I'm sure that Mr. Edison will give Mr. Latimer his due credit at the ceremony.

[laughs] I admire your wit, Miss Scott.

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.

Agnes van Rhijn

[to Marian] You're very obedient all of a sudden. What are you planning to spring on me?

Agnes van Rhijn

All our staff seem to have pressing engagements outside this house.

Marian Brook

Servants must have a life, Aunt Agnes.

Agnes van Rhijn

Why?

How's your husband doing, Mrs. Russell?

Bertha Russell

I'm sorry?

Aren't they putting him on trial over that train crash? I thought that was why he stayed in New York.

Bertha Russell

If it were, I would have stayed with him.

Oh, so he's not in trouble?

Bertha Russell

Not in the least! But he has too many meetings to be able to join us. He likes to be thorough.

Oh, I see. [leaves]

Bertha Russell

I haven't bungled it, have I?

Oh, no. She'll like you the more.

Aurora Fane

Smile, and take it as a compliment.

Bertha Russell

It is a compliment.

Agnes van Rhijn

You're an impressive young woman. Not everyone will support your ambitions, to say the least of it. But you are strong enough to manage that.

Peggy Scott

Thank you. I'll try to be.

You are not a gentleman, sir.

George Russell

That's a subject for another time.

I am Mrs. Astor. Perhaps you could ask Mrs. Russell if she could see me for a minute. I'm afraid I'm unexpected.

Are you coming to Gladys' ball?

Marian Brook

I may regret it, but I suppose I am.

Then I claim a waltz as my payment.

Agnes van Rhijn

Don't you ever get tired of that wretched tapestry? You're like Penelope waiting for Odysseus to get home.

Marian Brook

Aunt Ada likes needlework.

Agnes van Rhijn

I like ice cream. That doesn't mean I eat it twenty-four hours a day.

Oscar van Rhijn

Does your presence here mean we're friends again?

Oscar, you and I have known each other far too long and much too well not to be friends.

Peggy Scott

Have you told your aunts your secret yet?

Marian Brook

No. But I will.

Peggy Scott

When?

Marian Brook

When I can't keep it secret any longer.