hink we are individual, separate, above houses and material objects
generally; but there is a subtle connection which makes them reflect us
quite as much as we reflect them. They lend dignity, subtlety, force,
each to the other, and what beauty, or lack of it, there is, is shot
back and forth from one to the other as a shuttle in a loom, weaving,
weaving. Cut the thread, separate a man from that which is rightfully
his own, characteristic of him, and you have a peculiar figure, half
success, half failure, much as a spider without its web, which will
never be its whole self again until all its dignities and emoluments are
restored.

The sight of his new house going up made Cowperwood feel of more weight
in the world, and the possession of his suddenly achieved connection
with the city treasurer was as though a wide door had been thrown open
to the Elysian fields of opportunity. He rode about the city those days
behind a team of spirited bays, whose glossy hides and metaled harness
bespoke the watchful care of hostler and coachman. Ellsworth was
building an attractive stable in the little side street back of the
houses, for the joint use of both families. He told Mrs. Cowperwood that
he intended to buy her a victoria--as the low, open, four-wheeled coach
was then known--as soon as they were well settled in their new home, and
that they were to go out more. There was some talk about the value
of entertaining--that he would have to reach out socially for certain
individuals who were not now known to him. Together with Anna, his
sister, and his two brothers, Joseph and Edward, they could use the two
houses jointly. There was no reason why Anna should not make a splendid
match. Joe and Ed might marry well, since they were not destined to set
the world on fire in commerce. At least it would not hurt them to try.

"Don't you think you will like that?" he asked his wife, referring to
his plans for entertaining.

She smiled wanly. "I suppose so," she said.

Chapter XVI

It was not long after the arrangement between Treasurer Stener and
Cowperwood had been made that the machinery for the carrying out of
that political-financial relationship was put in motion. The sum of
two hundred and ten thousand dollars in six per cent. interest-bearing
certificates, payable in ten years, was set over to the credit of
Cowperwood & Co. on the books of the city, subject to his order. Then,
with proper listing, he began to offer it