My money has given me commercial position, but no social one worth mentioning.

Your '400's' a bunch I can't break into, nohow." A slight smile hovered over the other's lips, but he quickly controlled it.
"They tell me, though," continued the speaker, "that _your_ family has long ago climbed into the top notch of society.

You're one o' the big guns in the battery, an' hold the fort against all comers." Von Taer merely bowed.

It was scarcely necessary to either admit or contradict the statement.

Uncle John was a little indignant that his companion showed no disposition to assist him in his explanation, which a clear head might now easily comprehend.