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large and deep; and if he wished a picture-gallery, the library could be converted into that, and
the general living-room, which lay between the library and the parlor on the second-floor, could
be turned into a combination library and living-room. This was eventually done; but not until his
taste for pictures had considerably advanced.
It was now that he began to take a keen interest in objects of art, pictures, bronzes, little
carvings and figurines, for his cabinets, pedestals, tables, and etageres. Philadelphia did not
offer much that was distinguished in this realm--certainly not in the open market. There were
many private houses which were enriched by travel; but his connection with the best families
was as yet small. There were then two famous American sculptors, Powers and Hosmer, of
whose work he had examples; but Ellsworth told him that they were not the last word in
sculpture and that he should look into the merits of the ancients. He finally secured a head of
David, by Thorwaldsen, which delighted him, and some landscapes by Hunt, Sully, and Hart,
which seemed somewhat in the spirit of his new world.
The effect of a house of this character on its owner is unmistakable. We think 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 in small amounts at
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