In Victorian England, knowing one's station was of utmost importance to know one's station. Trying to live above one's means did not impress others but, rather, reflected badly on the one trying to mislead. It was better to live poorly in truth than to lie. Moreover, living below one's station was equally as offensive. Thriftiness was not a desirable trait among Victorians; if one had wealth, one was expected to show it. The Victorians believed earnestly in duty, which mandated that one represent his class well. If one were going to skimp, it was only proper to do so in areas of the house that would not be visable to visitors.
Source: Inside the Victorian Home: A Portrait of Domestic Life in Victorian England by Judith Flanders.
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