THE TEMPTING OF TAVERNAKE (1912)
They stood upon the roof of a London boarding house in the neighborhood of Russell Square, one of those grim shelters, the refuge of transatlantic curiosity and British penury.
And so starts the romance of Leonard and Beatrice. Leonard Tavernake is the most curious of men; in these days we would be inclined to think of him as a mild representative of the autistic spectrum. He is filled with ambition and lacks any romantic interests. He is 25 years old and works for an estate agent.
"Six years ago I was a carpenter then I became an errand boy... today I am a sort of manager, in 18 months time I should start for myself."
Beatrice, an American in London, is desperately poor and rescued from suicide by Leonard. Later he meets her criminal sister, a truly beautiful woman. Leonard, for the first time in his life becomes aware of the power of women, and falls in love with her. She attempts to get him to tell her where her sister lives. Beatrice is a danger to her schemes and is in danger if her whereabouts are disclosed.
Much toing and froing ensue before the happy ending occurs.
The story is deftly told and pleasant to read.
Readers of Oppenheim will be pleased to follow the cast through various meals in choice restaurants.
5/10
No comments:
Post a Comment