We shall need architects, builders, a heavy initial expense, time--and a more modern and alert management." "Yes, Miss Sherwood." She did not speak for a moment.

Her penetrating eyes, which had been fixed on him in close thought, were yet more penetrating.

Finally she said: "That's a big thing, a useful thing.

The present agents wish to be relieved of our affairs as soon as I can make arrangements--and I'd like nothing better than for Dick to drop what he's doing and get into something constructive and useful like this.

But Dick cannot do it alone; he's too unsettled, and too inexperienced to cope with some of the sharper business practices." She paused again, still regarding him with those keen eyes, which seemed to be weighing him.