Cowperwood, because of his varied tastes and interests, could discuss railroading with Mr.
Rambaud in a very definite and illuminating way; could talk architecture with Mr.Lord as a student, for instance, of rare promise would talk with a master; and with a woman like Mrs.Addison or Mrs.
Rambaud he could suggest or follow appropriate leads.

Aileen, unfortunately, was not so much at home, for her natural state and mood were remote not so much from a serious as from an accurate conception of life.

So many things, except in a very nebulous and suggestive way, were sealed books to Aileen--merely faint, distant tinklings.

She knew nothing of literature except certain authors who to the truly cultured might seem banal.

As for art, it was merely a jingle of names gathered from Cowperwood's private comments.