If I remember correctly, he never had “social rank” because he started at the bottom and worked his way up.
However, once he achieved money, he couldn’t be ignored, but, was condescended to, by those who have no regard for blue collar workers.
Most of the “shabby” elite won’t even look at anyone from a working class back ground.. How did he ever get into a social circle that Lilian belonged too.
She is frugal...so it couldn’t been for the money and things that he could buy her.