She knew his father was likely to succeed to the position of vice-president in the Third National Bank, and she liked the Cowperwoods.

Now she began to realize that there was something more than mere friendship here.

This erstwhile boy was a man, and he was calling on her.

It was almost ridiculous in the face of things--her seniority, her widowhood, her placid, retiring disposition--but the sheer, quiet, determined force of this young man made it plain that he was not to be balked by her sense of convention.
Cowperwood did not delude himself with any noble theories of conduct in regard to her.

She was beautiful, with a mental and physical lure for him that was irresistible, and that was all he desired to know.