The Doll-House, Cross (1967)

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From his wife's patrician uncle, a strugging banker receives an artifact of ancient Hellenic magic, which is perhaps symbolic of western civilization. The plebian banker believes the uncle sees him as a Goth, unfit for the legacy he receives. Whether this is because of his having attended a state university, or whether that is merely a marker of pedigree and class, is not clear. The uncle indeed sees him this way, as does perhaps his wife. The uncle is maybe haughty, perhaps even a bit arrogant. The author sees him this way, too. The story, which is pretty well written, is set within the frame of classical myth and myth is consistent about the fate of those whose reach exceeds their grasp.