The Game and the Candle

"The Game and the Candle" by Eleanor M. Ingram is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds against a backdrop of familial obligation, love, and moral dilemmas, centering on two brothers, John and Robert Allard, who face financial ruin. As they grapple with their elite upbringing and the desperate measures needed to save their home and loved ones, the narrative delves into themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the allure and costs of crime. The opening of the novel introduces us to John and Robert Allard as they confront their precarious situation under the moonlight in their opulent California home. The brothers realize they need to secure not just a small amount of money but a fortune in just six months to avoid losing their luxurious lifestyle and the security of their family. They weigh the potential of illegal activities against their moral compass while being haunted by the prospect of harming their beloved relatives, Theodora and Aunt Rose. Amidst their discussions of desperation and duty, John hints at an audacious plan involving one of their past acquaintances, setting off a chain of events that will test their character and the bonds of family.