Chapter One
New York
1909
"And in conclusion, ladies...and gentlemen..." There was a murmur of amusement
in the big auditorium, for there were very few men who attended Temperance
O'Neil's lectures. They couldn't stand to hear the truth of what Temperance
said, couldn't stand to hear and see what they had done to the American family.
"I say that the fight must continue, that we have not yet begun to make inroads
into this problem, but we mustn't give up. We must continue!"
At that Temperance stepped back from the podium and dropped her head so only the
wide wheel of her trademark hat could be seen. It was an instant before the
women could get to their feet and start applauding. Looking up, Temperance gave
them a dazzling smile; then slowly and with humility, she walked off the stage.
"You were wonderful," said Agnes Spinnaker as she put a small hand on
Temperance's shoulder. "As always."
"Let's just hope it did some good," Temperance said as she twitched the curtain
aside and looked out at the audience again. They were still on their feet, still
clapping hard.
"You have to go back out," Agnes said loudly so she could be heard over the
noise of the crowd. "You have to say something more ... read full excerpt from: Temptation ebook
