# The Discounters of Money explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

Young millionaire Howard Pilkins, who believes money can buy anything, is rejected by Alice von der Ruysling, a proud aristocrat from an old but impoverished family. After his proposal is spurned, he encounters a young Southern couple who have eloped to New York but lost their money. Despite offering help, they refuse his cash out of pride. Pilkins arranges for the girl to stay with Alice, but his encounter with the couple and Alice's rejection challenge his faith in the power of money.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Wealth

The story contrasts old-money aristocracy (Von der Ruyslings) with new money (Pilkins), exploring the limits of wealth's power.

### Love and Romance

Pilkins' romantic pursuit of Alice and the elopement of the Southern couple highlight different attitudes toward love and money.

### Humor and Irony

The narrator's witty comparisons (e.g., Haroun Al Raschid, the 'Babes in the Wood') and Pilkins' failed attempts to use money create ironic humor.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator provides commentary on modern philanthropists and tells the story of Howard Pilkins.

### Annie Williams

Referenced indirectly as 'Alice von der Ruysling', a proud aristocrat who rejects Pilkins' proposal.

### Andy Donovan

Referenced indirectly as 'Howard Pilkins', the millionaire who believes money can buy anything.

### Jim

Referenced indirectly as 'Marcus Clayton', a young Southern man who elopes with Miss Eva Bedford.

## Key lines

> The spectacle of the money-caliphs of the present day going about Bagdad-on-the-Subway trying to relieve the wants of the people is enough to make the great Al Raschid turn Haroun in his grave.

Modern wealthy philanthropists in New York City trying to help the poor would make the historical caliph Haroun Al Raschid roll over in his grave.

_Opening satire on contemporary charity compared to the caliph's methods._

> How properly to alleviate the troubles of the poor is one of the greatest troubles of the rich.

The rich find it very difficult to figure out the right way to help the poor.

_Central irony of the chapter: helping the poor is a problem for the wealthy._

> I don't want to seem unappreciative, old man, but, you see, I can't accept anything from a stranger.

I'm grateful, but I cannot take money from someone I don't know.

_Marcus Clayton refuses Pilkins' cash out of Southern pride._

> If, at any time, you feel that you would like to reconsider your answer, send me a rose like that.

If you change your mind, send me a rose as a signal.

_Pilkins' parting gesture to Alice after her rejection._

## Links

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