Ranching for Sylvia

Book Excerpt: ...n 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 IIHIS FRIENDS' OPINIONOn 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 a...