All language subtitles for Gilded Age S01E03

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 bar ton?

- 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 bar ton 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 bar ton.

- May I come with you?
- Of course.

Thank you, miss Scott.

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."

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 curve ball.

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 bar ton,

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 bar ton,

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.

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.

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.

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 bar ton 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.

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.

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?

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, 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.

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.

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?

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...
- 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, I can't get over it.

George Russell is finished.

Please, god.

There you are.

I was afraid you were
going to miss your lunch.

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.

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.

Congratulations, miss Scott.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

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.

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.

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.

There's bannister.

Good afternoon, bannister.

- Miss Ada, miss Marian.
- Bannister.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.