Even in the best class where a certain easy familiarity reigns there is circle above circle, and the summits are isolated by heredity.
The conditions of English society being what they are, it is all but impossible at first to account for the rapidity of Oscar Wilde's social success; yet if we tell over his advantages and bring one or two into the account which have not yet been reckoned, we shall find almost every element that conduces to popularity.

By talent and conviction he was the natural pet of the aristocracy whose selfish prejudices he defended and whose leisure he amused.

The middle class, as has been noted, disliked and despised him: but its social influence is small and its papers, and especially _Punch_, made him notorious by attacking him in and out of season.

The comic weekly, indeed, helped to build up his reputation by the almost inexplicable bitterness of its invective.
Another potent force was in his favour.

From the beginning he set himself to play the game of the popular actor, and neglected no opportunity of turning the limelight on his own doings.