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

"The Tempting of Tavernake"

" She shook her head. "He had a
letter of credit for about a thousand pounds, I think," she said.
"There is very little left of the money he had with him."
"And you find living here expensive, I dare say?"
"Very expensive indeed," she agreed, with a sigh. "I have been
looking forward to seeing you, Jerry. I thought, perhaps, for
the sake of old times you might advise me."
"Of old times," he repeated to himself softly. "Elizabeth, do
you think of them sometimes?"
She was becoming more herself. This was a game she was used to
playing. Of old times, indeed! It seemed only yesterday that
these two brothers, who had the reputation in those days of being
the richest young men in New York, were both at her feet. So
far, she had scarcely been fortunate. There was still a chance,
however. She looked up. It seemed to her that he was losing his
composure. Yes, there was something of the old gleam in his
eyes! Once he had been madly enough in love with her. It ought
not to be impossible!
"Jerry," she said, "I have told you these things. It has been so
very, very painful for me. Won't you try now and be kind?
Remember that I am all alone and it is all very difficult for me.
I have been looking forward to your coming. I have thought so
often of those times we spent together in New York. Won't you be
my friend again? Won't you help me through these dark days?"
Her hand touched his. For a moment he snatched his away as
though stung.


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