People don't usually do that." Simms was envious already of the financial showing Cowperwood was making in Chicago.

Besides, Cowperwood's manner bespoke supreme intelligence and courage, and that is always resented by all save the suppliants or the triumphant masters of other walks in life.

Simms was really interested at last to know something more about Cowperwood, something definite.
Before this social situation had time to adjust itself one way or the other, however, a matter arose which in its way was far more vital, though Aileen might not have thought so.

The feeling between the new and old gas companies was becoming strained; the stockholders of the older organization were getting uneasy.

They were eager to find out who was back of these new gas companies which were threatening to poach on their exclusive preserves.