The idea of narrow means, of dependence upon the capricious generosity of a wealthy friend is not without its humiliating influence.

Lesbia was barely civil to Mr.Hammond that evening when he praised her singing; and she refused to join in a four game proposed by Maulevrier, albeit she and Mr.Hammond had beaten Mary and Maulevrier the evening before, with much exultant hilarity.
Hammond had been at Fellside nearly a month, and Maulevrier was beginning to talk about a move further northward.

There was a grouse moor in Argyleshire which the two young men talked about as belonging to some unnamed friend of the Earl's, which they had thought of shooting over before the grouse season was ended.
'Lord Hartfield has property in Argyleshire,' said the dowager, when they talked of these shootings.

'Do you know his estate, Mr.Hammond ?' 'Hammond knows that there is such a place, I daresay,' replied Maulevrier, replying for his friend.
'But you do not know Lord Hartfield, perhaps,' said her ladyship, not arrogantly, but still in a tone which implied her conviction that John Hammond would not be hand-in-glove with earls, in Scotland or elsewhere.
'Oh, yes! I know him by sight every one in Argyleshire knows him by sight.' 'Naturally.

A young man in his position must be widely known.