How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"But we don't think anybody need give up a bun, Mr. Dixon," the girl said. "That's the whole point." (4.130)
Christine and Bertrand think the country's tax system is basically designed to "soak the rich." This discussion reassures Jim that he might be able to get over Christine's good looks since she's obviously not a compassionate person.
Quote #8
"The point is that the rich play an essential role in modern society," he said, his voice baying a little more noticeably. "More than ever in days like these. That's all; I'm not going to bore you with the stock platitudes about their having kept the arts going, and so on." (4.132)
As far as Bertrand's concerned, the rich might decide to stop supporting the arts if the government takes their money and gives it to the poor. For Bertrand, the rich have to stay rich if artists like him are going to thrive. It's all about self-interest, which is what we're meant to see in this passage.
Quote #9
"And shall I tell you what else I happen to like? Rich people. I take pride in the contemporary unpopularity of that statement. And why do I like them? Because they're charming, because they're generous, because they've learnt to appreciate the things I happen to like myself, because their houses are full of beautiful things." (4.134)
When it comes down to it, Bertrand just thinks that rich people are flat-out better than everyone else. He doesn't seem to realize (or maybe he does) that rich people are charming because they have the luxury of being charming.