Class, Sophistication, and Elitism

The narrative emphasizes the refined tastes and intellectual superiority of Vance and his circle, often mocking the vulgarity of the police and the masses, while the murder itself involves wealthy, high-society figures like a Wall Street broker and a man-about-town.

Vance's refined tastes in art, his luxurious lifestyle (silk dressing-gown, suède slippers, rare servant), and his disdain for early rising and business highlight his elite social standing.

Vance's dandyish attire and Markham's social culture highlight class distinctions, while the police are portrayed as more working-class.

The handbag's fine gold mesh, sapphire catch, and luxury brands highlight the victim's and suspect's high social standing.

Pfyfe's affected mannerisms and Vance's disdain for modern complications underscore the class distinctions and pretensions among the characters.