Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1901-03-27

III tue SOuleWn nat ulnSy SllIlnS room
of bloomsbury lodging house. She
was young and pretty. with delicate.
thoughtful looking features. She glanc-
ed at the ciock-it wanted few min
utes to 9-then rose from her seat and.
walking to the window. pulled back the
faded red curtains.
"A clear sky-there will be splen-
did light soon for Phil" she exclaimed.
She turned and made her way back
to the fireplace. An envelope on the
mantelpiece caught her eye. 1t was an
old one, and had been there for some
weeks, but she took II down once
again, and drew card out-a mere
ordinary Christmas card, with the
words, "Madge, from Dick" written
upon it. She gazed at 1t refiectively;
then replaced it with a little sigh.
"Ah, Dick" she murmured, IF only
things had gone a little better with
usv'
The chimes of clock striking the
hour caught her ear, and she made hur-
ried preparations for her departure. On
her way down she tapped at a door,
and opened it half an inch.
"Many happy returns Of the day,
Phil, dearw she called out. ITS a
lovely morning. GOod-by!'
She ran down the stairs lightly. In
the hall she was met by an elderly
looking man in velveteen coat. She
nodded brightly to him, and he opened
the door for her.
"Your brothers birthdayw he ask
ed with smile.
"Yes. We must do something to-
night in honor Of 1t, and you must
help us, Mr.. Lintell Good-by-I shall
be late for my 'busw
About an hour later, Phil Halstan
emerged from his room. He was tall,
well-built young fellow, with a some
what heavy, indolentlooking face. He
ate leisurely breakfast, then, lighting
a cigarette, dropped into an armchair
by the fire and let his eyes travel slow
ly round the dull room. A look Of dis
gust crept to his face.
"Ugh!" he exclaimed. "How horribly
mean and sordid 1t all looksl Shall
ever get out Of it?"
Presently he rose, and, going to a
corner by the window, drew forward
an easel. He sat himself before 1t and
gazed at the blank canvas. Then he
felt for his box of brushes and fingered
them meditatively. Finally he laid
them down and looked out OF the win
dow.
There was tap at the door, and the
next moment old Mr.. Lintell entered.
He lived on the upper floor and had got
to be very friendly with Madge and
her brother.
81 won't interrupt you," he began,
with a glance at the easel. II only
came to offer you my best wishesr'
Thanks! Please don't CO." cried
Phil, as the old man moved toward the
door. "Fact Is, I don't think l shall
do much more work now-rather
thought of giving myself a holiday.
My birthday, you knowp he added half
jocularly.
Old Lintell came forward slowly. He
looked at the blank canvas.
"It's going to be great thingw ex-
planned Phil. "I'm working out the
idea nOw--lt takes time, you know"
The old man nodded, and looked out
Of the window. He had been thinking
good deal Of Phil lately-this boy
who got up late, sat dreaming half the
day, and loafed the other, who had
never earned penny. In his life, kept
In idleness by a devoted sister who, as
typist In solicitors office, worked
hard from morn to night. believing in
him heart and soul.
He glanced up sharply at Phil.
might I see yonr portfollo2' he
said. ~ used to know something
about art"
Phil pulled 1t out with alacrity, and
opened 1t for the old mans inspection.
Mr.. Linteil turned them over one. by
one They were crude and badly done,
with no sign of distinctlye ability what
Deger.
"wen2" asked Phil eagerly. He
shared his sisters belief in himself.
Give me your candid opinion"
Mr.. Lintell wiped his glasses and
proceeded TO oblige him. He told him
the truth--the unpleasant, naked truth
-and wave OF color swept over young
rh!ls cheek, Then he laughed.
ITS teoeridiculous,s' he cried.
Old Mr. Lintell rose from his chair
and made his way to the door,
'T"I'm SORRY" he said, "but thought
you ought to know"
Phil laughed again ifs the door. closed
on the old man-but 1t was an upcom.
Portable sort Of laughAthe laugh of a
man whose mind had been suddenly
confronted with new aspect of the
case, He strobe up and down the room
"Of course, l shall be famous some
day-shall pay little Madge back q
thousandfold-and she doesn't MIND
working at present. he reflected. "Ant
he said hadn't particle of ability