The Prodigal Pro Tem

"The Prodigal Pro Tem" by Frederick Orin Bartlett is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young artist named Barnes, who has left behind his affluent but stifling life in New York to venture into a more liberating existence. In the early chapters, he encounters a young woman, Miss Van Patten, who reveals that her brother Joe is estranged and unable to return home at a critical time, prompting an emotional situation that drives the plot forward. The opening of the novel sets up a picturesque rural scene where Barnes is reflecting on his life as he climbs a hill. His contemplative mood is interrupted when he discovers Miss Van Patten in distress over a letter about her brother. This meeting leads to a heartfelt discussion where Barnes offers to impersonate Joe to spare the family's feelings, particularly their blind father, who longs for a reunion with his son. The dynamics among the characters, particularly the tension filled with both urgency and tenderness, form the crux of the story as Barnes gets entwined in their lives, portraying themes of familial obligation, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships.