oor of each house was placed a conservatory of flowers,
facing each other, and in the yard, which was jointly used, a pool of
white marble eight feet in diameter, with a marble Cupid upon which jets
of water played. The yard which was enclosed by a high but pierced wall
of green-gray brick, especially burnt for the purpose the same color as
the granite of the house, and surmounted by a white marble coping which
was sown to grass and had a lovely, smooth, velvety appearance. The two
houses, as originally planned, were connected by a low, green-columned
pergola which could be enclosed in glass in winter.

The rooms, which were now slowly being decorated and furnished in period
styles were very significant in that they enlarged and strengthened
Frank Cowperwood's idea of the world of art in general. It was an
enlightening and agreeable experience--one which made for artistic and
intellectual growth--to hear Ellsworth explain at length the styles and
types of architecture and furniture, the nature of woods and ornaments
employed, the qualities and peculiarities of hangings, draperies,
furniture panels, and door coverings. Ellsworth was a student of
decoration as well as of architecture, and interested in the artistic
taste of the American people, which he fancied would some day have a
splendid outcome. He was wearied to death of the prevalent Romanesque
composite combinations of country and suburban villa. The time was ripe
for something new. He scarcely knew what it would be; but this that he
had designed for Cowperwood and his father was at least different, as
he said, while at the same time being reserved, simple, and pleasing.
It was in marked contrast to the rest of the architecture of the street.
Cowperwood's dining-room, reception-room, conservatory, and butler's
pantry he had put on the first floor, together with the general
entry-hall, staircase, and coat-room under the stairs. For the second
floor he had reserved the library, general living-room, parlor, and
a small office for Cowperwood, together with a boudoir for Lillian,
connected with a dressing-room and bath.

On the third floor, neatly divided and accommodated with baths and
dressing-rooms, were the nursery, the servants' quarters, and several
guest-chambers.

Ellsworth showed Cowperwood books of designs containing furniture,
hangings, etageres, cabinets, pedestals, and some exquisite piano forms.
He discussed woods with him--rosewood, mahogany, walnut, E