Judge Temple is described as being a descendent of fairly wealthy immigrants, of the late 17th century who had, as with many other such immigrants, relied too much on what they brought with them, and were unable to maintain their wealth and rank in society. Marmaduke's father (a 3rd generation Temple) is said to have been the first of the Temple family to try to raise himself back up in status through hard work and a strategic marriage. He was thus able to provide Marmaduke with a good education.
Temple's classmate Edward Effingham is introduced as the the son of another man from a previously wealthy family who would not stoop to commerce, but instead maintiained his status as a lifelong military officer and public servant. While still alive, Edward's father, Major Effingham, handed all of his subtantial wealth to his son, who secretly invested in Marmaduke Temple's successful commercial ventures.