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Oppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips), 1866-1946

"The Tempting of Tavernake"


"As a matter of fact," he confessed, "it is an unusual thing for
any one in the employ of a firm of estate agents to make
speculations on their own account in land. In this case,
however, I consider that I was justified. I have opened up three
building speculations for the firm, on each one of which they
have made a great deal of money, and I have not even had my
salary increased, or any recognition whatever offered me. There
is a debt, of course, which an employee owes to his employer.
There is also a debt, however, which the employer owes to his
employee. In my case I have never been treated with the
slightest consideration of any sort. What I have done I shall
stick to. After all, I am more interested in making money for
myself than for other people."
They had reached the corner of the field now, and turning into
the lane commenced the steep descent. It was Sunday evening, and
from all the little conventicles and tin churches below, the
bells began their unmusical summons. From further away in the
distance came the more melodious chiming from the Cathedral and
the city churches. The shriller and nearer note, however,
prevailed. The whole medley of sound was a discord. As they
descended, they could see the black-coated throngs slowly moving
towards the different places of worship. There was something
uninspiring about it all. She shuddered.
"Leonard," she said, "I wonder why you are so anxious to get on
in the world.


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