That was why he had denied himself in better days.

It was for that he hoarded every cent while actual want sharpened his wits and his thin nose; it was in that hope that he received Selwyn so cordially as a possible means of entrance into regions he could not attain unaided; it was for that reason he was now binding Gerald to him through remission of penalties for slackness, through loans and advances, through a companionship which had already landed him in the Ruthven's card-room, and promised even more from Mr.Fane, who had won his money very easily.
For Neergard did not care how he got in, front door or back door, through kitchen or card-room, as long as he got in somehow.

All he desired was the chance to use opportunity in his own fashion, and wring from the forbidden circle all and more than they had unconsciously wrung from him in the squalid days of a poverty for which no equality he might now enjoy, no liberty of license, no fraternity in dissipation, could wholly compensate.
He was fairly on the outer boundary now, though still very far outside.
But a needy gentleman inside was already compromised and practically pledged to support him; for his meeting with Jack Ruthven through Gerald had proven of greatest importance.

He had lost gracefully to Ruthven; and in doing it had taken that gentleman's measure.

And though Ruthven himself was a member of the Siowitha, Neergard had made no error in taking him secretly into the deal where together they were now in a position to exploit the club, from which Ruthven, of course, would resign in time to escape any assessment himself.
Neergard's progress had now reached this stage; his programme was simple--to wallow among the wealthy until satiated, then to marry into that agreeable community and found the house of Neergard.