To me this speaks of a high life that is devoid of substance. Even the race horse is just for a laugh. The painting was stolen and she is subsequently, and sarcastically, described as lovely. Even if her friends discover her roots they won't care because all that matters to them is the superficial. But where she has come from is important and the writer wants to remind her of that. If she remembers the struggle she will understand that her life is worth more than all her transitory attachments.