Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1901-04-12
81 FE3
] A Change Of Purpose. !
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In tile somewhat dingy sitting room
OF a Bloomsbury lodging house. She
was young and pretty, with delicate,
thoughtful looking features. She glanc-
ed at the clock-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 a 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 it down once
again, and drew a 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 little better with
usw
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 door,
and opened 1T nalf an inch.
MANY happy returns Of the day,
Phil, dear!' she called out. 'Tt's a
lovely morning. Good-byv'
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 birthday" he ask
ed with a smile.
Eyes. We must do something to-
night in honor of it, and you must
help us, Mr.. Lintell! Good-by-I shall
be late for my 'busr'
About an hour later, Phil Halstan
emerged from his room. He was tall,
well-built young fellow, with a some
what heavy, indolent-looking face. He
ate leisurely breakfast, then, lighting
a cigarette, dropped into an armchair
by the fire and let his eyes travel slow
ly rounf the dull room. A look of dis
gust crept to his face.
ugh" he exclaimed. "How horribly
mean and sordid it all looks! Shall
ever get out of it?"
Presently he rose, and, going to
corner by the window, drew forward
an easel. He sat himself before it 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.
II won't interrupt you," he began,
with glance at the easel. II only
came to offer you my best wishes"
Thanks! Please don't co." cried
Phil, as the old man moved toward the
door. "Fact is, don't think l shall
do much more work nOw-rather
thought of giving myself a holiday.
My birthday, you know" he added half
jocularly.
Old Intel came forward slowly. He
looked at the blank canvas.
"Its going to be great thing" ex-
planned Phil. I'm working out the
idea now-it takes time, you know"
The old man nodded, and looked out
of the window. He had been thinking
a 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 devoted sister who, as
typist in a solicitors office, worked
hard from morn to night, believing in
him heart and soul.
He glanced up sharply at Phil.
"Might l see your portfolioT he
said. 81 used to know something
about art"
Phil pulled It out with alacrity, and
opened 1t for the old mans inspection
Mr.. Lintell turned them over one by
one. They were crude and badly done
WIFI uO bIkH vi AD.Aity
ever.
"WellT' asked Phil eagerly. He
shared his sisters belief in himself
"Give me your candid opinion"
Mr.. Lintell wiped his glasses and
proceeded to obllge him. He told hin
the truth-the unpleasant, naked trutf
and a wave Of color swept over youni
Pills cheek. Then he laughed.
ITS too ridiculous" he cried.
Old Mr.. Lintell rose from his chall
and made his way to the door.
"Tm sorry" he said, "but I though
you ought to know"
Phil laughed again as the door closet
on the old man-but It was an uncom
Portable sort Of laugh-the laugh of
man whose mind had been suddenl.
confronted with new aspect OF tn
case. He strode up and down the room