Here, because he thought it was only courteous, and not because he thought it was essential or wise at this time to attempt a social onslaught, he invited the Addisons and one or two others whom he felt sure would come--Alexander Rambaud, president of the Chicago & Northwestern, and his wife, and Taylor Lord, an architect whom he had recently called into consultation and whom he found socially acceptable.

Lord, like the Addisons, was in society, but only as a minor figure.
Trust Cowperwood to do the thing as it should be done.

The place they had leased was a charming little gray-stone house, with a neat flight of granite, balustraded steps leading up to its wide-arched door, and a judicious use of stained glass to give its interior an artistically subdued atmosphere.

Fortunately, it was furnished in good taste.
Cowperwood turned over the matter of the dinner to a caterer and decorator.

Aileen had nothing to do but dress, and wait, and look her best.
"I needn't tell you," he said, in the morning, on leaving, "that I want you to look nice to-night, pet.