Here the family began to entertain in a small way, and there came to see
them, now and then, representatives of the various interests that
Henry Cowperwood had encountered in his upward climb to the position
of cashier. It was not a very distinguished company, but it included a
number of people who were about as successful as himself--heads of
small businesses who traded at his bank, dealers in dry-goods, leather,
groceries (wholesale), and grain. The children had come to have
intimacies of their own. Now and then, because of church connections,
Mrs. Cowperwood ventured to have an afternoon tea or reception, at which
even Cowperwood attempted the gallant in so far as to stand about in a
genially foolish way and greet those whom his wife had invited. And so
long as he could maintain his gravity very solemnly and greet people
without being required to say much, it was not too painful for him.
Singing was indulged in at times, a little dancing on occasion, and
there was considerably more "company to dinner," informally, than there
had been previously.
And here it was, during the first year of the new life in this house,
that Frank met a certain Mrs.
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