Far subtler, even at her years, than Aileen, Stephanie gathered a very good impression of the former, of her mental girth, and how to take her.

She made friends with her, made a book-plate for her, made a sketch of her.

She confided to Aileen that in her own mind she was destined for the stage, if her parents would permit; and Aileen invited her to see her husband's pictures on their return.

She little knew how much of a part Stephanie would play in Cowperwood's life.
The Cowperwoods, having been put down at Goteborg, saw no more of the Platows until late October.

Then Aileen, being lonely, called to see Stephanie, and occasionally thereafter Stephanie came over to the South Side to see the Cowperwoods.