Brian Masters

Climbing among the skyscrapers

issue 05 October 2002

According to Ward McAllister, the fabled gate-keeper of New York high society in the 1890s, to be counted among the privileged few you needed

poise, an aptitude for polite conversation, a polished and deferential manner, an infinite capacity of good humour, and the ability to entertain and be entertained.

And also, by the by, pots of money.
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