Ranching for Sylvia | Page 4

its value."
"I see one difficulty: the cost of superintendence might eat up most of
the profit. Wages are high on the prairie, are they not?"
George assented, and Herbert continued:
"Then a good deal would depend on the man in charge. Apart from the
question of his honesty, he would have to take a thorough interest in the
farm."
"He would have to think of nothing else, and be willing to work from
sunrise until dark," said George. "Successful farming means
determined effort in western Canada."
"Could you put your hands upon a suitable person?"
"I'm very doubtful. You don't often meet with a man of the kind we
need in search of an engagement at a strictly moderate salary."
"Then it looks as if we must sell out now for enough to provide Sylvia
with a pittance."
"That," George said firmly, "is not to be thought of!"
There was a short silence while he pondered, for his legacy had not

proved an unmixed blessing. At first he had found idleness irksome,
but by degrees he had grown accustomed to it. Though he was still
troubled now and then by an idea that he was wasting his time and
making a poor use of such abilities as he possessed, it was pleasant to
feel that, within certain limits, he could do exactly as he wished. Life in
western Canada was strenuous and somewhat primitive; he was
conscious of a strong reluctance to resume it; but he could not bear to
have Sylvia, who had luxurious tastes, left almost penniless. There was
a way in which he could serve her, and he determined to take it. George
was steadfast in his devotion, and did not shrink from a sacrifice.
"It strikes me there's only one suitable plan," he said. "I know
something about western farming. I wouldn't need a salary; and Sylvia
could trust me to look after her interests. I'd better go out and take
charge until things are straightened up, or we come across somebody fit
for the post."
Herbert heard him with satisfaction. He had desired to lead George up
to this decision, and he suspected that Sylvia had made similar efforts.
It was not difficult to instil an idea into his cousin's mind.
"Well," he said thoughtfully, "the suggestion seems a good one; though
it's rather hard on you, if you really mean to go."
"That's decided," was the brief answer.
"Then, though we can discuss details later, you had better give me legal
authority to look after your affairs while you are away. There are those
Kaffir shares, for instance; it might be well to part with them if, they go
up a point or two."
"I've wondered why you recommended me to buy them," George said
bluntly.
Herbert avoided a direct answer. He now and then advised George, who
knew little about business, in the management of his property, but his
advice was not always disinterested or intended only for his cousin's
benefit.

"Oh," he replied, "the cleverest operators now and then make mistakes,
and I don't claim exceptional powers of precision. It's remarkably
difficult to forecast the tendency of the stock-market."
George nodded, as if satisfied.
"I'll arrange things before I sail, and I'd better get off as soon as
possible. Now, suppose we go down and join the others."
CHAPTER II
HIS FRIENDS' OPINION
On the afternoon following his arrival, George stood thoughtfully
looking about on his cousin's lawn. Creepers flecked the mellow brick
front of the old house with sprays of tender leaves; purple clematis
hung from a trellis; and lichens tinted the low terrace wall with subdued
coloring. The grass was flanked by tall beeches, rising in masses of
bright verdure against a sky of clearest blue; and beyond it, across the
sparkling river, smooth meadows ran back to the foot of the hills. It
was, in spite of the bright sunshine, all so fresh and cool: a picture that
could be enjoyed only in rural England.
George was sensible of the appeal it made to him; now, when he must
shortly change such scenes for the wide levels of western Canada,
which are covered during most of the year with harsh, gray grass,
alternately withered by frost and sun, he felt their charm. It was one
thing to run across to Norway on a fishing or mountaineering trip and
come back when he wished, but quite another to settle down on the
prairie where he must remain until his work should be done. Moreover,
for Mrs. Lansing had many friends, the figures scattered about the
lawn--young men and women in light summer attire--enhanced the
attractiveness of the surroundings. They were nice people, with
pleasant English ways; and George contrasted them with the rather
grim, aggressive plainsmen among whom he would presently