"Ugh!" he grunted, a man relieved.
Graham stood regarding him.
"You must understand," began Howard abruptly, avoiding Graham's eyes, "that our social order is very complex.

A half explanation, a bare unqualified statement would give you false impressions.

As a matter of fact--it is a case of compound interest partly--your small fortune, and the fortune of your cousin Warming which was left to you--and certain other beginnings--have become very considerable.

And in other ways that will be hard for you to understand, you have become a person of significance--of very considerable significance--involved in the world's affairs." He stopped.
"Yes ?" said Graham.
"We have grave social troubles." "Yes ?" "Things have come to such a pass that, in fact, it is advisable to seclude you here." "Keep me prisoner!" exclaimed Graham.
"Well--to ask you to keep in seclusion." Graham turned on him.

"This is strange!" he said.
"No harm will be done you." "No harm!" "But you must be kept here--" "While I learn my position, I presume." "Precisely." "Very well then.Begin.Why _harm_ ?" "Not now." "Why not ?" "It is too long a story, Sire." "All the more reason I should begin at once.