Thus he obtains every man's good word whose good word is worth anything.

Social credit means commercial credit.

Yet he is not altogether acting a part--he really likes taking the lead and pushing forward, and means a good deal of what he says.
He is especially quite honest in his hospitality.

All the same, so far as business is concerned, it is pure gambling, which may answer very well in favourable times, but is not unlikely to end in failure should the strain of depression become too severe.

Personal popularity, however, will tide him over a great deal.