The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1901-03-15

There was a dainty flush on her
cheeks; he thought he had never seen
her look so beautiful.
81 hope IT is something good for You.
Dick" she said. "ls it?'
81 don't know-yet," he said slowly
"That is. until I've heard what you
have to say"
Now It happened that at this moment
Phil Halstan was vending his way
homewards. He let himself in with his
latchkey and went up to their room
The door was not quite shut. and he
heard Madge's and another'G
lie recognized II after moment Then
he caught few of the words. He
glanced round. The landing was dark.
Hardly knowing what he did. he sank
down on the first stair and listened.
Il knew things would come right at
last. Madge. dearr' Evlngton's voice
was saying. "But didn't think 1t
would be as splendid as this. A good
post abroad-only open to a married
man, too"'
There was pause. Outside Phil
grasped the bannlster. There was
slight movement by him. and turning
his head he found Intel had crept to
mis- side.
Then they heard Madge's voice. 1t
was low and tremulous.
"Pm sorry, Dick. but"
"Why, Madge, you love meT'
Eyes. love you, Dick-always have
loved you-always shalt But"
There was pause, then in a whisper.
There's Philp
Old Intel laid a hand on the young
mans shoulder.
"But surely Phil won't mind" cried
Evington, "He is a man, and can earn
his own living. He would not wish
you to give up this"
"You don't understand, Dick! There
were tears in Madge's voice this time
"Some day Phil will be a great artist,
be famous, but just now-he wants my
help! Oh, Dick, I'm so sorry, but |
can't leave him-can't go with you
though | love you sor'
Phil Halstan shok old Lntell's hand
from his shoulder and rose suddenly to
his feet. He stood for a moment un-
decided, then crept away on tiptoe
down the stairs. Old Lintell followed.
What are you going to doY' he said.
Phil made no reply. He crammed
his hat on his head, opened the door
and stepped into the street. Old Lin
tell went with him, and they walked
away together.
Are you going to let her lose her
one big chance of happinessT' said old
Intel, in low voice; ''or going to con
tinue to idle your life away-she keep
ing yOu?"
Phil hardly seemed to hear him. He
was striding along with his hands
thrust deep in his pockets, his eyes
staring straight ahead of him. Sud
denly he threw his head back.
You heard-she doesn't want to 60
herselfw he cried, almost fiercely.
shed soon forget all about It,"
"A girl with heart like Madge's
never forgets" replied old Lintell.
What are you going 10 do?" he repeat
ed relentlessly.
"A little more tme-and might do
something big" broke out Phil.
You've loafed for three years-and
done nothingw said the old man. "You
know you will never do anything in art
You've wlllfully shut your eyes, and
used 1t as an excuse to yourself and
her for idlingw
The young mans mouth was twitch
ing convulsIvely.
You're right" he cried in a hoarse
voice, but what's there left for me to
dol know nothing. have done moth
ing?' he finished helplessly.
BE a man. There's always some
thing for a man to do. Remember
what she has done for you"
They reached ST. Martins Church
at Charing Cross. Phil stopped ant
passed hand over his brow The ole
man watched him anxiously. He saw
Phil's eye travel across the road t.
where the recruiting sergeants wer,
pacing slowly up and down, alert fol
new blood. Then Phil Halstan sud
denly gave his shoulders a jerk back.
YES" he said between his shu
teeth. There's always something lef
for a man to do"
He crossed the road.
That night Madge was sitting alon
reading letter that had been brough
to her by messenger. The tears cam
to her eyes as she read the last few
sentences:
:" For three years hav
played it as low down as fellow car
But I'm going to be a man at last
Madge. If you want to make me hal
py, dear, make me feel haven't quit
J spoilt your life Go with Dickr'
The letter dropped from her hand.
Go with Dick she repeated in
. low tone.
There was tap at the door; then
man was shown ina young man wit
/ pale and anxious face.
) "Madge. couldn't leave without ash
ing you once again-is it quite hope
: lessg' he began.
} She raised her eyes to his. and h
/ saw her lips tremble.
Not quite hopeless. Dick. dearr' sh