AN AUGUST AFTERNOON
Several days later the four new Ranch Girls drove over to Mr. Stevens' ranch.
His house was a new one, a large, square, frame building, with a wide front veranda.
The outside was not attractive. Inside the furnishings were masculine, heavy and handsome in character, but not particularly appropriate.
The distinction of the house was its wonderful view.
Upon a rise of land it stood, facing the rolling prairies, with the purple rim of the western hills beyond.
If the house was not especially beautiful or comfortable, the broad veranda was both of these things.
A congressman in Washington during the greater part of the year, Peter Stevens was able to spend only a few summer months at his own place. During this time he declared that he felt every moment indoors a wasted one.
Cecil Perry was waiting to greet his guests upon this porch.
At a short distance away his mother and guardian stood talking.