He generally let any new acquaintances understand very speedily that his father was a man of property, and that his family moved in the first circles of Boston Society.

He cultivated the acquaintance of those boys who belonged to rich families, and did not fail to show the superiority which he felt to those of less abundant means.

For example, he liked to be considered intimate with Oscar, as the social position of Mr.Vincent was higher than that of his own family.

It gave him an excuse also for calling on Oscar in Boston.

He had tried to ingratiate himself also with Oscar's sister Florence, but had only disgusted her with his airs, so that he could not flatter himself with his success in this direction.