How we cite our quotes: (Volume.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Betty, who was just retired from her charitable office, answered, she believed he was a gentleman; for she never saw a finer skin in her life. (1.14.2)
Charity's a lot easier to swallow when there's a monetary reward on the other end of it. Um, but is it still charity then?
Quote #2
Tow-wouse was willing to give him credit 'till next time, to which Mrs. Tow-wouse probably would have consented (for such was Joseph's beauty […]). (2.2.7)
Who said Joseph's beauty doesn't open doors? So it is charity if you're doing it because you have the hots for the person you're being charitable toward? Would Mrs. Tow-wouse be as charitable toward Parson Adams, for example?
Quote #3
Joseph would have found therefore, very likely, the passage free, had he not, when he honestly discovered the nakedness of his pockets, pulled out the little piece of gold which we have mentioned before. (2.2.7)
The politics of charity are pretty interesting: Tow-wouse is willing to excuse Joseph's debt if he's too poor or too rich, but middle-class folks have to pay a fine.