A year or two since he would perhaps have defended himself in a general way by saying it was arrogance for a man to set himself up as any better than his surroundings.

But between a year or two ago and this September evening there was set a gulf, represented by a couple of transactions in the "street," over which there was small joy in heaven and very little on earth.
Fair or unfair, it would be so much easier if Claudius were out of the way.

It would simplify Mr.Barker's campaign so much; and, besides, it was so easy a matter to remove him, for a time at least.

How?
Why, simply by asserting that Claudius was not Claudius, that he was not the late Mr.Lindstrand's nephew, that he had no right to the fortune, and that if he wished to save himself trouble he had better return immediately to Heidelberg and resume his duties as a private lecturer in the University.

It was easy enough! Who was there to show that Claudius was Claudius?
There was nothing but the attestation of a wretched Heidelberg notary, who might easily have been persuaded to swear a little in consideration of a large bribe.
Besides, reflected Mr.Barker, the real Dr.Claudius was dead.