The Avalanche - Page 75/95

"We should live practically an out-of-door life--if you preferred we

could buy a cattle ranch in the south. That would mean the greater part

of the day in the saddle-"How does it appeal to you?"

He had turned off the electricity, but as he fumbled with his

embryonic idea he saw her eyes sparkle and a light of passionate hope

dawn on her face.

"Oh, I should love it! But love it! Especially the fruit ranch. That

would be like France--our orchards are as wonderful as yours, even if

nothing could be as big as a California ranch-"That is, if it would not be a makeshift. Another form of playing at

life."

"I can assure you that we will have to make it pay or go to the wall. My

father would probably disinherit me, for it would be breaking another

tradition, and he compliments me by believing that I am the best business

man in the firm at present.

"My only capital would be such of my fortune as is not tied up in the

House--about a hundred thousand dollars in Government bonds. Of course,

in time, if all goes well, and California does not have another

setback--if business improves all over the world--I shall be able to take

the rest of my money out, that I put into this end of the business after

the fire; but that may be ten years hence. I shouldn't even ask for

interest on it--that would be the only compensation I could offer for

deserting the firm.

"Perhaps I had better buy a cattle ranch. Then, if we fail, I shall at

least have had the training of a cowboy and can hire out."

Helene laughed and clapped her hands.

"Fail? You? But I should help you to make it a success--I should be

really necessary?"

"Indispensable. Either you or another partner."

"No! No! I shall be the partner--"

"And you mean that you would be willing to bury your youth, your beauty,

on a ranch? I have heard bitter confidences out here from women forced to

waste their youth on a ranch. You are one of the fine flowers of

civilization--"

"That soon wither in the hothouse atmosphere. I wish to become a hardy

annual. And when the ranch was running like a clock we could take a month

or two in Europe every year or so--"

"Rather! And I could show you off--Bother! I'll not answer."

The telephone bell on the little table in the corner (his own private

wire) rang so insistently that Ruyler finally was magnetized reluctantly

across the room. He put the receiver to his ear and asked, "Well?" in his

most inhospitable tones.