All language subtitles for The.Gilded.Age.S01E03.eng

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- Aurora Fane is organizing
another charity?

She must be a glutton
for punishment

after the last time.

- You say that, but the bazaar
made over $2,000,

which no one's ever heard of.

- She and Anne Morris
were a laughingstock.

- This is interesting.

- Do you know a woman
called Clara Barton?

- No.
- Excuse me.

- What is it, Miss Scott?

- Just a letter
for you to sign.

But I'd like to get it
into the post before luncheon.

- Quite right.

- Miss Barton has started
a branch of the Red Cross

in the United States.

She's giving a talk
at Aurora's house.

- I'd like to hear Miss Barton.

May I come with you?
- Of course.

- Thank you, Miss Scott.

- Oh, look.

Miss Russell is going out.

- With her wretched governess.

How can she stand it?

- I will not criticize
Mrs. Russell

for her only virtue.

At least she keeps
her daughter under control.

- Under arrest, more like.

- I wonder why her mother

hasn't brought her out
properly yet.

- Because Mrs. Russell is not
sure she can fill the ballroom.

You see?

I know more about these things
than you give me credit for.

- You know I'd lose my job
if your mother even suspects.

- I know you'll lose your job
if she finds out

you've been taking brandy
from the dining room.

- It was purely medicinal.

Who is this young man anyway?

- Archie Baldwin.
- Hyah!

- He's very respectable.

His grandfather
was an ambassador.

His father is a banker,
and so is he.

His mother's people came over
on the "Mayflower."

- Hmm,
if everyone who claimed

to be on the "Mayflower"
really was,

it would have to be the size
of a White Star liner.

Where does he live?

- 35th Street.

And his parents are building
a summer home at Newport.

- Well, why not just
introduce him to your mother?

He sounds ideal.
- It's not as simple as that.

Here we are.

- Mr. Pasture's opening
a magic lantern show

in his theater on Broadway.

It starts this Friday.

- Fancy.

- Would you like to see it
on your night off?

- What, all alone?

- That could be
my free night too.

Mr. Bannister wouldn't mind,
not if we aren't entertaining.

- I'll have to think.

- Don't think too long.
It's only running a week.

- Go on. You might enjoy it.

- Mr. Bannister,
you wouldn't mind, would you,

if Bridget and I had
the same free night this week?

- I would have
to serve dinner alone.

- But you do that when I have
a free evening anyway.

- Today's young
live for pleasure.

You don't know
what hard work is.

- And we don't know
what fun is.

- What--what about Friday?

I'd be very grateful.
So would Bridget.

- I haven't said I'll go yet.

- But you know you want to.

- I thought
you'd gone hours ago.

- I wanted to finish
some letters.

- Is everything set
with the new station?

- The bill's been passed.

- And the stocks are high?

- As high as the sky.

- Then what's this about?

What do they mean,
there's a rumor that the law

may be rescinded?
- Let me see that.

- If it's canceled, will
the station go ahead anyway?

- No, it can't.

- Where's Gladys?

- She went out with Miss Grant.
Why?

- It isn't right, you know.

Miss Grant may be nice,
but she's a jailer.

And Gladys is a grown woman
whether you like it or not.

Girls get married at her age.
- And live to regret it.

I know what I'm doing, George.

- I should go.

- Were you expecting that?

- No.

But it doesn't surprise me.

What are you trying to tell me?

- There's no need to talk
as if I were your chauffeur.

- When I've finished, you'll
wish you were my chauffeur.

- You summoned me here.

- You came
because if you had not,

I would have turned up
at your place of business

and shouted the truth
to anyone who'd listen,

that the aldermen are liars

and you have reneged
on your deal.

- I've come to your office
at your request

to show goodwill, Mr. Russell.

I will not stay
and be insulted.

But I agree.

It is time you knew
public opinion has moved away

from your position.

- In other words,

you all bought shares
on margin,

passed the law,
and made a fat profit.

Now I imagine
you've sold them short.

And you mean to cancel
your own law,

betting that the value
will plummet.

Then you'll buy them again
when they hit rock bottom

and in the process double or
triple your ill-gotten gains.

- That is pure speculation.

I don't even know
if we will cancel the law.

But the idea of having
a new rail station

in the city

isn't as popular
as we'd hoped it might be.

- I see.

So you're really only concerned
with the common good.

- The aldermen
are public servants.

We must serve the public.

- I didn't see this coming.

I admit it.

I thought you were
honorable men.

Not too honorable
to miss the chance

of a fat buck, of course,

but not greedy, dirty thieves.

- Mr. Russell.

- I thought I was the one
who might throw a curveball.

And now look.

You've caught me out.

- Good day to you, Mr. Russell.

- Good day to you, Mr. Morris.

- It only remains to say

that I hope you can see,
as I can,

the vast possibilities
for building

one of the grandest
humanitarian institutions

the world has ever seen

for the relief of people
everywhere.

- Miss Barton,

if President Hayes declined
to support the establishment

of an American Red Cross

and President Garfield
never managed to sign either,

what makes you think
you can find support now?

- I'm afraid unfortunate events

have altered things
in Washington.

- And President Arthur
may be more enthusiastic?

- I have reason to believe so,
yes.

This has been
an introduction only.

- Who's that man?

- And I thank you
for your courtesy.

If you would like to know more,
then please keep in touch.

- Our thanks to Miss Barton,

our very own
angel of the battlefield.

She has already achieved
a great deal.

And now at the head
of the American Red Cross,

she is destined
to do a great deal more.

- Might I present myself?

You are Miss Brook, I think.
Miss Ada Brook?

- I am. And this is my niece,
Miss Marian Brook.

- I am Cornelius Eckhard III.

- I thought it was you.

- I'm afraid it's been too many
years for me to call you Ada?

- But this is too touching.

- Oh, not really.

We knew each other
when we were young

in Pennsylvania.

- Before life drove us to
the four corners of the Earth.

- Have you been
in New York for long?

- No, I settled in Connecticut.
- Oh.

- But now I have
nothing to hold me there.

So I came to the city.

- What brings you
to this gathering?

An interest in the Red Cross?

- Not entirely.
Mrs. Morris is my niece.

And when she said
you'd be here,

I was tempted to see if we
might revive an old friendship.

- Not very old, surely.

- How is your sister?

What--what is she called now?

- She married Mr. Van Rhijn
almost 40 years ago.

- Ah.

Please give her my regards.

- He must call on us
and give them himself,

mustn't he, Aunt Ada?

- Ladies.

- Can we persuade you
to the cause?

- I am persuaded,
but, once again,

if it's money
Miss Barton needs,

why don't we ask
Mrs. Russell?

- Don't speak that name.

- Perhaps not when Mrs. Astor's
in the room.

- Mr. Morris tells me

Mr. Russell has insulted him
disgracefully.

- What? Why?

- Why? Because he is not
a gentleman, my dear,

as I keep telling you.

- There may be
another side to it.

- You are
too reasonable to live.

Now I must see to my guests.

- But how will they make money
when the stock falls?

- Trust me, they will.

And when they have fallen,
they'll buy them again,

repass the law,
make a third fortune,

and steal my company.

I blame myself.

My guard was down.

- Can't you fight it?
- Not in court.

It's not illegal.

- There must be other ways.

- If I do, I will have to put
a large part

of our capital at risk.

- Very well.

- You understand
what I'm saying?

All this
may be lost.

- You've made it once.

You can make it again
if you have to.

- There are moments, my dear,

when you are quite marvelous.

- Hmm.

Useless,
each without the other.

- Are you going up to change?

- I am. And so should you.

- The thing is,
I have a favor to ask.

- You mean you want something

and you haven't asked
your mother.

- I do remember the Eckhards.

There were two boys and a girl.

I seem to recall they sold up

not long
after I'd left for New York.

- He talked like an old beau.

- Well, you know,
I was just a girl.

- Anyway, Eckhard had no money,

which did not endear him
to Papa.

No money and no prospects.

- I'm afraid not.

- I wonder what he wants now.

- He's lonely.

He's just arrived in the city,

and he hopes to find
some old friends.

- So all this time, he's
dreamed of seeing Ada again?

- There's no need to be unkind.

- Maybe he has dreamed
of seeing Aunt Ada.

What's wrong with that?

- Oscar, dear,
I didn't expect you.

- Oh, I'm dining
with Larry Russell.

- Where?

- At his parents' house,
of course.

- When you say those words,
you stab me in the side.

- Then it's lucky you have
the skin of a rhinoceros.

- Shall we go up
and get changed, dear?

- Ah. When will
your mistress be down?

- In a moment, sir.

- Is there something else?

- Only that Madam
seemed to suggest

this is an important time
for you.

- Did she?

Well, I suppose it is.

- I just want you to know
that we are all very much

on your side.

- Thank you.

♪ ♪

- Were you always drawn
to banking?

- That didn't come into it.

The United Manhattan Trust
was founded in 1797

by Arnold van Rhijn,
among others.

We've been at it ever since.

- I see.
What a wonderful tradition.

- So you don't have
to waste your time

worrying about
what you want to do.

It's already decided.

- Mr. Van Rhijn
is only being modest.

- No, I'm not.

- Can we talk
about Archie Baldwin?

- It would be very dull
for Mr. Van Rhijn.

- I don't mind.

I know Archie.
His aunt is my godmother.

But isn't he, uh,
a little young for you?

- He's just a friend.

But father wants
to ask him to dine.

- What?
- I said I had no objection.

But she had to get
your permission.

- I will decide who comes
to dinner in this house.

- He's quite respectable.

A forebear
on his mother's side

was an officer
at the battle of Yorktown.

- Indeed.

- Did your ancestors fight
at Yorktown, Mother?

Or were they too busy
digging potatoes in Kerry?

- You will be civil
to your mother.

Remember, her ancestors
are your ancestors too.

- Yes, Father.

- How is it going
with the new railroad, sir?

- Well...

these things take time.

- Tell me, Mr. Van Rhijn,

what do you think
of Mr. Post's new building

for the Brooklyn
Historical Society?

- It's all right, I suppose.

But I'm not an admirer
of the Romanesque style.

- Oh.

- Are you, Miss Russell?

- I don't know, exactly.

Perhaps not.

- Then my opinion
is reenforced.

♪ ♪

- Who sent it?

- She'll tell us
when she's ready.

- It's from Mr. Raikes.

He got the job he was here
to interview for,

so he's living in New York.

- And what is that to you?

- You can't ask me
to cut him dead.

- My dear, should you meet
Mr. Raikes in the street,

then of course not.

But I suggest only
that you do not seek him out.

He is not fit to be
one of your circle.

He is not a suitable companion,
that is all.

- All?

It seems like
a great deal to me.

I do not wish
to marry Mr. Raikes.

- Then we have no quarrel.

- But I don't accept that he's
not fit to keep me company.

Certainly, he has behaved
like a gentleman to me

from our first meeting.

I think I should be lucky
to be in his company.

- Oh, Henry, Henry,
must you live on in your child?

Can you not set her free,
for pity's sake?

- But what's wrong with him?

- He is an adventurer.

Will you concede nothing
to my age and experience?

I tell you,
he is an adventurer.

And I am never wrong.

♪ ♪

- Thanks for saving me
at dinner.

I didn't want
to be cross-examined

by that young jackanapes.

- I don't know what report
he'll take home to his mother.

Why did he have to witness
all of you pounding me

like a trio of prizefighters?

- Gladys must make friends,
Bertha.

- Mr. Baldwin is not
what we want.

- How do you know?

- Because he's not what I want.

Do you think Mr. Van Rhijn
is interested in Gladys too?

- What makes you say that?

- Instinct.

- I think he may be,
but I question his motives.

Gladys will be
a very rich young woman.

- And if anyone plans
to marry her for money,

he'll need much more to offer
than Oscar van Rhijn.

- What do you mean by that?

- Have you thought about
how to deal with the aldermen?

- I believe so.

But I can do nothing until
they repeal their own law.

What I am planning may take
a great many dollars, my dear.

But if I am successful,

it will be worth it.

- I told you before.

We've made
one fortune together.

And if needs be,
we'll make and spend another.

- May I stay with you tonight?

- You have only to ask.

♪ ♪

- What's the matter?

You seem preoccupied.

- I am preoccupied,
but nothing's the matter.

I think I've met the girl
I'm going to marry.

We always knew we were going
to have to marry in the end.

- Did we?

I suppose we did.

- What's the alternative,
to live in the shadows?

No, thank you.

- Who is she, this girl?

- Too early to say.

But she's perfect.

She'll have lots of money,
which is essential.

She's an innocent,
so she will suspect nothing.

And she seems nice.

I think we could be happy.

- Really?

- John, there are plenty of men

who have had to make exactly
the same decision.

They can't all be wretched.

- And what about us?

- Why should it make
any difference?

- Oh, I see.

- Unless I take to it
like a duck to water.

You never know.

I'm only teasing.

♪ ♪

- Bastards.

- They've rescinded the law?

- Well, that's it.

There will be no new railroad
station in New York City.

- For now.

- What are we going to do?

- We buy.

- We buy?

- Every piece of company stock
that comes on the market.

And not a soul
is to hear about it.

Hide the purchases.

I don't want them
traced back to me, not yet.

Miss Ainsley.

- You look well this morning,
sir.

- Thank you.

I feel as well as Washington

looking down at the redoubts
outside Yorktown.

He knew a great battle
was coming.

- A great battle he would win.

- He can't have known that.

But he knew it was
a battle he could win.

♪ ♪

- What a wonderful surprise.

- Don't worry, I'm not staying.

- Then it's
a little less wonderful.

But come in for a moment.
Please?

Will you excuse us, Miss Scott?

♪ ♪

- We shouldn't be in here.
- Just for a moment.

- I can't stay, really.

I'm meeting Aunt Ada
at a luncheon party.

- My loss.

- So...

what have you been doing
since I last saw you?

Are you enjoying your stay
in New York?

- My stay or my new life?

I'd love to tell you
all about it,

but I suppose I can't call
at your aunt's house.

What about luncheon
at Delmonico's?

Madison Square, I mean,
of course, not Broadway.

- I don't know the difference,
but no.

- Well, what about coffee?

- Where?

- In some salubrious hotel.

The St. Cloud
or the Metropolitan.

- You know
your way around already.

- I'm a quick learner.

- Of course we can't meet
in a hotel.

For coffee or anything else.

- You don't seem to me
to be a person governed

by petty rules.

- Not governed, I hope.

But I must live in the
same world as everyone else.

- We could bump into each other
in Madison Square.

By Liberty's hand?
- What?

- The hand from the proposed
Statue of Liberty.

It was sent over here
six years ago to raise funds.

But soon it's going
back to France.

- That sounds like something
I would like to see.

- Then we'll walk up and down
and admire it.

Who'd object to that?

- Aunt Agnes.

- Well...

I'll be there.

- When?

- Next Monday.

5:00.

- You are incorrigible,
Mr. Raikes.

And now I must fly.

- Miss Scott, come in.

I must tell you
I can confirm your suspicions,

even if I have no answers
for the questions they raise.

♪ ♪

- Have you seen
what's happening?

- I have, and it's true.
The stock has gone up.

- It makes no sense.

The law's been reversed.
The station won't be built.

And the stock has risen--
- Not by much.

- Not by much yet.

But they haven't even fallen
a cent

when they should have gone
through the floor.

- Russell must be behind it.

Buying them
as they come on the market.

- That's what
everyone's saying.

But how much money
would one man risk?

How much money has one man got?

- And there you have it.

Even George Russell himself
can only hold up the crash

for a day or two.

- You're sure?

- How deeply are you in?

So deep, I cannot see the sky.

I bet all I have.

So I won't just lose the money.
I'll lose everything I own.

- Without the law, the company
is ludicrously overpriced.

Delaying the fall
will consume his fortune.

- I hope to God you're right.

- I must be right.

♪ ♪

- Morris.

What are you doing here?

- Well, I've just left
a meeting

at Charles Fane's office.

- Have you, uh--
have you heard the rumors

about George Russell?

They're saying at the Union
that he's ruined

or if he isn't yet,
he soon will be.

- He's trying to maintain
the value of his company

by buying all the shares
as they come out.

- And when he lets them go,

they'll crash
through the floor,

taking his fortune with him.

- That's what they say.

- I'd better run, but, uh,

I can't get over it.

George Russell is finished.

- Please, God.

- Oh, there you are.

I was afraid you were going
to miss your lunch.

- Oh.

- But there's still
some food left.

No need to get upset.

- It's not that. It's--

- What?

Something in your letter?
- Did someone die?

- No, no.

- Well, how long are you going
to keep us in suspense?

- It's from the publisher
of "The Christian Advocate."

- Why is he writing you?

- He wants to meet

to discuss publishing
some of my short stories.

- What?

I've never known anyone
who's had something published

in the paper.

- Why should you care?
You don't read.

- I get by.
- This is very impressive.

One of your own stories
in print.

- Ugh.
- Don't spoil it.

- Is our luncheon ready?

- It is.

Miss Scott just got word
that a publisher wants

to talk to her
about her writing.

- Oh.
- Congratulations, Miss Scott.

- Thank you.

Excuse me.

- Oh, but you didn't
eat your lunch.

- I wonder how long she'll keep
working for Mrs. Van Rhijn

once she gets in the papers.

- It is not for us
to speculate on such things.

- Yes, Mr. Bannister.

- Miss Scott isn't
the only one around here

doing something exciting.

We got tickets to
the magic lantern show tonight.

- That's right.

- Well, mind
you come straight back.

Curfew's at 10:00.

- We will, Mr. Bannister.

Definitely.

- Well, of course
we'll have to raise funds.

There's always fundraising.

But in this instance,

we may have to take on
the politicians too.

- Goodness,
what will your Aunt Agnes say

about such a thing?

- Mrs. Van Rhijn will know
that sometimes a fight

can't be avoided.
- Brava.

I'll make a sash
for her to wear.

"Life, Liberty,
and the Red Cross forever."

- Of course you're joking,
but you make me tremble.

- I know better.

Miss Ada Brook
would never tremble.

She'd always fight
for any cause she believed in.

- You may have confused me
with my sister.

- There's nothing wrong
with my memory.

In fact, I'm glad you're here,
as it allows me to ask

whether I really may call
at 61st Street.

- Aunt Agnes would like to see
Mr. Eckhard again, I'm sure.

- Oh?

Well, if you think so.

- How long
have you lived there?

- My brother-in-law
built the house in 1850.

And I joined my sister there
when her husband died

ten years ago.

- They must have been
marooned in a desert

when they first arrived.

Mrs. Van Rhijn
had great foresight.

- Not really.
- No?

- She wanted to buy
in Washington Square,

but her husband insisted
the city would move north.

He bought quite a few lots.

- And now New York
has crept up the avenue

and made them priceless.

- It has proved
to be sensible, yes.

- Have you heard
about this opera business?

- What's that?

- A group of new people mean to
challenge the Academy of Music

and create another opera house.

- They can't.
- They think they can.

They met at Delmonico's
last week

and decided that since
they weren't allowed

boxes at the Academy,

they were going to build
their own house.

- Do we know of whom this
group of malcontents consists?

- The usual.
JP Morgan, of course.

The Rockefellers,
the Vanderbilts.

Every opportunist in New York.

- My lips are sealed.

- No wonder they couldn't get
a box at the Academy.

- But what is the point
of shutting out these men

and their families
when they could probably build

an opera house
that's 20 times better

than the one we have now?

- Really, Marian?

I can see we're going to have
to take you in hand.

- But surely--
- That's enough, dear.

Time to let other people speak.

- Here you are.

- Oh, this is good, Frederick.

- Anything else, sir?
- It's enough for now.

- Miss Scott.

A man was asking for you
at the front door.

I asked him to wait
in the street,

but he said he'd meet you
at the park.

- What sort of man?

♪ ♪

- Father.

- I thought it was time
the mountain came to Mohammed.

- I've been here awhile.

- But not long enough
to come and see your father.

- I don't want to quarrel.
- I won't quarrel if you won't.

Your mother's birthday
is approaching.

- I know.

- I come here to--

- You were saying?

- We want you to come home.
- Father.

- Not to stay.

Your mother said
you're unmovable on that.

Just for her birthday.

- She hasn't been herself
since you decided to leave.

- She's not
the reason I left.

- But I can forgive you
and get past it all.

- Forgive me?
- Yep.

It would make
your mother happy

if we could sit down
and break bread

as a family in peace.

- I will come home
but just for her birthday.

- Your mother mentioned
something about

working as a secretary?
- Yes.

- What does that entail,
exactly?

Writing letters
for some old lady?

- It's a job
for an educated woman

that could lead to anything.
- Really?

Exactly where is your room
in that house?

- All right.

It's in the servants' quarters.

But I won't be working
for Mrs. Van Rhijn forever.

And the job allows me
time to write.

- I don't know
why you're bothering with that.

There aren't
any colored writers,

especially women writers,
who can make a living wage.

- I will soon find out how much
colored women writers make.

- How's that?

- I have a meeting

with the publisher
at Carlton and Porter.

They put out
"The Christian Advocate."

- The white newspaper.

- Yes.

And Mr. Carlton is interested
in publishing

some of my stories.

- Why didn't you try
"The New York Globe"?

- I did,
but they never answered.

- Well...

if it doesn't pan out,

you can always come home.

And work for me.

- I should get back.

- What's wrong?

What happened?
- Nothing.

- I can tell your mother
to set a place for you?

- Yes.

Goodbye, Father.

♪ ♪

- I'm going out,
if anyone asks.

I'll be back in time
to get him changed.

- Where do you go, Mr. Watson?

- What do you mean?

- Well, you often slip out
for an hour in the afternoon.

I wondered where you go to.

- Nowhere in particular.

Sometimes the park.

I like to walk.

- I may be imagining it,
but I think Mr. Watson

has a soft spot for you.

- Then he's wasting his time.

I've got bigger plans
than a broken-down old valet.

- That seems rather cruel.

- Life can be cruel,
Mrs. Bruce.

But I mean to get
the better of it.

- It seems mad to me not
to take Mrs. Russell's money

when she has so much of it
to give.

- Well--

- Or Mrs. Chamberlain's,
for that matter,

whatever her past.

- You may have a point
when it comes to Mrs. Russell

but not with Mrs. Chamberlain.
- No?

They say she's very rich, too,

and that she has a real
interest in charitable causes.

- It may be so,
but there are limits.

- What is she supposed
to have done?

- Well, before their marriage,

Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain...

Knew each other.

- Don't most people know
their wives and husbands

before they marry them?

Except in some Eastern
countries, I suppose.

- Yes, but their son is...

older than he ought to be.
- I thought he was adopted.

- Well, so he is.

In a way.

- And it was all
a long time ago now.

- People have long memories
in this town.

Oh, there's Bannister.

Good afternoon, Bannister.

- Miss Ada, Miss Marian.
- Bannister.

- Oh, thank you.

- Why couldn't you
see it coming?

- Because
it's always worked before.

- Then why isn't it
working this time?

- Russell has more money
than God.

- Can't you tell him there'll
be no profit in the deal?

- We tried to make
a fool of him.

He won't find that
easy to forgive.

- You should get changed.

- If he keeps going,
I'll lose everything I own.

- We!

We will lose everything we own.

- It's a pity
you and Anne Morris

decided to humiliate his wife.

I guess that won't have helped.

- That was Anne, not me.

I wanted to use their ballroom
for the fair.

- Then why didn't you insist?

- There must be something
you can do.

Appeal to his better nature.

♪ ♪

- That was terrific.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

- That made me jump.

- Don't worry.
I'll look after you.

- Not like that.

- I only--
- Not like that.

- Shh!

- Could you go to him?

- After the insults
you heaped on his wife?

I don't think so.
- I only did what I--

- You only did
what you thought was right.

- I had to follow
Aurora's lead--

- Don't insult my intelligence.

- I don't know what you mean.

- You saw the fun he had
destroying your bazaar.

Well, now he has the chance
to destroy your family.

- It can't be as bad as that.

- You have to go
to Mrs. Russell.

Ask her forgiveness.

Call, grovel, kiss her feet.

Do what you have to do
to get her to stop him.

- Patrick,
you can't ask that of me.

- I'm not asking you.
I'm telling you.

Or you'll have no position,
no house,

and no one left to boss around.

- I thought we might stop
for an ice cream, maybe?

Or just a cup of coffee?

- You heard Mr. Bannister.

We're to go straight back.
The curfew's at 10:00.

- They don't own us, Bridget.

This is our night off.

We don't get many.

- We can't miss the curfew,

and we said we'd go
straight home.

- If that's the way
you want it.

- It is.

- Can I hold your hand?

- I've told you.
I don't like that stuff.

Now, come on.

♪ ♪

- Do you want to come to bed?

- Not yet.

I need a drink.

- What's happened?

- Nothing.

Only that my plan
has come apart

and I have to start again.

- I presume you mean
the perfect girl?

- About time you knew.

Her name is

Gladys Russell.

- George Russell's daughter?

- But now, God damn it,
the word on the street

is that Russell is finished.

Or he soon will be.

He's trying to hold up
the value of his company

by buying all the shares.

But no one can continue that
forever.

They think he'll be wiped out
in a matter of days.

- And the girl is not
perfect enough

to survive her father's ruin.

- I can't marry without money.

I must have more money.

- You'll find another one.
- Maybe.

That's not the point.

She was perfect.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

- Miss Scott?

But in your letter, you said
that you're a secretary.

- So I am. To a Mrs. Van Rhijn.

- But you never mentioned
you were...

I'm not sure
we can see you today.

- But Mr. Carlton's letter
said he wanted to meet.

- What is it you expect of us?

- I'd like your editor
to publish my short stories.

Wasn't that clear?

- In "The Christian Advocate"?

Really?

- Is there a rule
against publishing the work

of people like me?

- Well, not a rule.

- I read your magazine a lot.

I like your editorials.

And I liked a recent article
about the importance

of equal rights.

I want to test it.

- Mr. Carlton is very busy.

I doubt he'll have time
for you.

But you're free to wait.

- I will.

- Mr. Aubrey.

- Yes.

- Is Mrs. Russell at home?

- She's in the drawing room,
sir, with Mrs. Morris.

- Is she indeed?

Well, I won't disturb them.

- I do not understand.

You are suggesting
I should interfere

in my husband's business?

- Well, "interfere"
makes it sound so very bad.

It seems that Patrick
and the other aldermen

have miscalculated.

They thought
the stock would go down.

But they have gone up.

- You have neatly encapsulated
the nature of dealing in stock.

You try to guess
which way they'll go.

If you're right,
you make money.

And if you get it wrong,
you don't.

- Well, of course I know that.

- So what is it
you want me to do?

- I want you to ask him
to show a little pity.

To show mercy.

- Forgive me, but this is
in payment for what?

- I don't understand.

- You come into my house,
you make this strange request,

and I'm trying
to establish why.

Do you feel I owe
a debt of gratitude?

Have you granted me
a favor that merits a return?

- No--
- No.

Mrs. Morris, I hesitate
to teach the basics,

but life is like
a bank account.

You cannot write a check
without first making a deposit.

Mrs. Morris is leaving.

- Yes, ma'am.

- Mr. Carlton
will see you now.

- Won't you come
into my office, Miss Scott?

I apologize
for making you wait.

When Aaron informed me
that you were the writer,

we needed a strategy.
- I see.

- First,
I have a question for you.

Did you really write
these stories?

- I'm sorry?

- They are beautifully
constructed and executed.

They came back with
the strongest recommendations.

And I want to be sure
you wrote them.

- Well, I did.

- Then you're very talented.

- Thank you.

- As I stated in my letter,

we would like to publish
one of them.

That's wonderful.

In fact, it's amazing, really.

Which one?

- We'll start with the story
about the little girl

who lives by the bay.

Now, there are adjustments
we'd ask you to make

so that your work is more
palatable to our readers.

- Of course.

- The little colored girl
would need to be changed

to a poor white child.

- But why?

- Our readers will not identify

with a colored girl's
story of redemption.

- But you said
my stories came back

with the strongest
recommendations.

Were those from white people?

- Of course.

- But then wouldn't
their reaction be indicative

of your readers?

Why would you change
an integral part of the story?

- Because it would cost us
most of our readership

in the South.

I don't approve of the system,
I can say that.

But once gone,
those people would not be back.

- I see.

You said "adjustments."

Well, what other changes
must I make to be published?

- Your name is fine.

It does not suggest
anything about your background,

so we can keep it.

But your race would have
to remain concealed.

- How would that work?

- We'd have you sign a document
that you accept our policy,

which would prevent you
from divulging publicly

that you are the writer of
any stories we might publish.

- My own stories?

- Once we buy them,
they would be ours.

So...

you understand what I'm saying?

- I think so.
- Good.

- "The Christian Advocate"
is asking me to lie.

- It's the best arrangement
I can offer.

You'd be paid handsomely.

More than you could make
at any colored publication.

- I realize that.

- There at least two white men
sitting at a bar

around the corner
drinking away their sorrows

because I turned them down.

They'd kill to be
in your position.

- But they'd never be
in my position.

Did I make a mistake?

I could have
my stories published

in a newspaper
right now.

- But you'd never be able
to claim them.

And no,
you did not make a mistake.

It was a disgraceful thing
for him to ask.

- The worst part is,
my father was right.

Now he'll gloat and insist
that I come and work for him.

- But you have a job.

- It doesn't matter.

His way and his word
trumps anything

I say or want to do,
at least in his mind.

- There must be other papers.

- Hmm. There are.

But I haven't heard back
from any of them.

- Somewhere
there's an open door.

And you're going to walk
through it.

If that's her hand, what size
will the Statue of Liberty be?

- Big.
- Huh.

Mr. Raikes.

So when it goes to France

and get stuck
onto the statue's arm,

then it will come back here?
- That's the idea.

But they still haven't got
enough money for the plinth.

The government refuses.
- They'll find it.

- Would you like to walk
with us, Miss Scott?

- No. Thank you, sir.

- So...tell me about
your adventures in the city.

- I'm enjoying myself.

Life in New York
is very much to my taste.

Can I come to 61st Street yet?

- Not quite.

- Is your aunt still
being unreasonable?

- Who said
she was ever reasonable?

That's a shame.

I have things
I want to say to her.

To them both.
- What things?

- Well, now, let me see.

I could start by admitting that
I'm no great catch socially.

Things are improving
in that direction.

- Mr. Raikes?
- Of course, I have no fortune.

But I've got a good job
and excellent prospects.

There's nothing wrong with
being a lawyer in New York.

- Certainly not.

But--

- Do you hear that?

And if it's devotion
you need to be sure of,

then I can say, hand on heart,

there is no man living
who cares more for you than I.

Let me spend
what remains to me of life

in the sole cause
of making you happy.

- Mr. Raikes, we've only met
a handful of times.

- You see, for me,
I knew at once.

When you came to my office
for help that time.

I could have ask you then,
but...

now I'll keep on asking
until you say no.

- What if I say yes?

- Then I'll stop.

I should get back.

Send me a message
when you want to see me.

♪ ♪

- Are you all right?
What happened?

- He proposed.

I'm quite breathless.

- What did you answer?
- Nothing.

Nothing of any purpose.
- You didn't tell him no?

- I didn't tell him anything.

- But you didn't tell him no.

- I'm sorry to miss
your pretty niece.

- She's gone to the park,
Mr. Eckhard.

Where are you living now?

- Well, right now,
I'm down on 4th Street.

But it's only temporary.
- I see.

- What a beautiful house
you have here, Mrs. Van Rhijn.

- Thank you.

- Do I remember
some of these pieces

from your old home
when I used to call there

with my parents?

- Not really.
These are my husband's things.

My brother sold most
of my parents' possessions.

- Indeed,
that must have been hard.

- I'm not sure I recall
your parents visiting,

but perhaps they did.

- I think I remember them.

- There's not much
Miss Ada Brook forgets.

Of that, I'm sure.

- Yes?

- Ada, dear, go down
and tell Mrs. Bauer

we will be three for tea.

- Won't she already know?

- I want to gossip
with Mr. Eckhard.

- Oh.

- Your sister is a fine woman.

- Shall I tell you
what I think, Mr. Eckhard?

I think you heard
from Mrs. Morris

Ada was still unmarried.

And you saw a way
to mend your fences.

- Now, wait a minute.
- I may be wrong, of course.

And your feelings may come
from the heart.

- They do.

I've seen her in my mind's eye
so many times over the years.

- Still,
I believe I should tell you,

my sister has little money
of her own.

And in the joyful event
of her marrying,

she would be obliged
to move out

and take care of herself.

I'm too old to live with a man.

- I assure you, you've mistaken
my intentions, ma'am.

- Have I?

Then I apologize.

Just so you understand
that marrying Ada

would bring neither income
nor a place to live.

You see, you never knew
why my father turned you down

all those years ago.

You thought it was
your lack of prospects.

But you'd been heard
boasting at a bar

that you were about to marry
a meal ticket.

You were wrong about that too.

Ah.

- Here we are.

It was on its way up.

- My dear Miss Ada,

I'm afraid I've only
just noticed the time.

I'm already late
for an appointment.

- But you've come all the way
from 4th Street.

- And now he has to get back.

- But surely, you can stay
for a few minutes.

- Nothing would give me
more pleasure.

Sadly, it's just not possible.
- I am sorry.

Bannister, would you see
Mr. Eckhard out?

We can manage here.
- Yes, ma'am.

- Ladies.
- Right this way, Mr. Eckhard.

- What a very strange thing.

I don't remember him as rude.

- Oh, I think
he's just a very busy man.

Never mind.

I want your help
with the menus tomorrow.

And please,

choose something
that you really like.

I want to spoil you for once.

- I can't think why.

- I can.

♪ ♪

- But I do not understand
why I should stop buying

what's on the open market.

I like the company.

I have more faith in it
than you.

- Won't you do
the decent thing?

- And is that what you all
did to me, Mr. Fane?

The decent thing?

- But if they will agree
to pass the law now?

- You mean to pass
the law again?

To pass it for a second time?

- You've made your point,
Mr. Russell.

We've taken you for a fool

when it is we
who are the fools.

- I won't fight you
on that one.

♪ ♪

- 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.

- 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.

My secretary will see you out.

♪ ♪

- Hey!

♪ ♪

- There you are.

I thought I heard
the front door.

- Are we expecting
any of the children for dinner?

- Will's here, of course.
And Louise is on her way.

But I don't think
she's staying.

She's a good girl.

They're all good people,
I'm happy to say.

- What brought this on?

- Why? Must I have a reason
to tell you

how proud I am of my family?

You have made me happy
and proud.

You most particularly.

- Enough.

I should be weeping
in a minute.

Come in and sit with me.

We've got time
before we change.

- In a moment.

There's something
I must do first.

♪ ♪

- Is this just for me?
- It is.

- I'm a lucky fellow.

- How's it all going?

- They've offered
to repass the law

and let me build my station.

- So I won't have
to scrub floors?

- Doesn't look like it.

♪ ♪

- Is it finished, then?

- Not quite
but almost.

It'll be a long time
before the aldermen

try to get the better
of me again.

But I think
I've punished them enough.

- That sounds
very forbearing of you.

- I like to do the right thing.

If I don't lose
any money by it.

♪ ♪