age I ever saw."





Chapter VIII


Cowperwood's world at this time was of roseate hue. He was in love and
had money of his own to start his new business venture. He could take
his street-car stocks, which were steadily increasing in value, and
raise seventy per cent. of their market value. He could put a mortgage
on his lots and get money there, if necessary. He had established
financial relations with the Girard National Bank--President Davison
there having taken a fancy to him--and he proposed to borrow from that
institution some day. All he wanted was suitable investments--things in
which he could realize surely, quickly. He saw fine prospective profits
in the street-car lines, which were rapidly developing into local
ramifications.

He purchased a horse and buggy about this time--the most
attractive-looking animal and vehicle he could find--the combination
cost him five hundred dollars--and invited Mrs. Semple to drive with
him. She refused at first, but later consented. He had told her of his
success, his prospects, his windfall of fifteen thousand dollars, his
intention of going into the note-brokerage business. She knew his father
was likely to succeed to the position of vice-president in the Third
National Bank, and she liked the Cowperwoods. Now she began to realize
that there was something more than mere friendship here. This erstwhile