The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1901-03-01

as splendid as this. y good post abroad
| only open to married man too"
| There was a pause. Outside Phil
grasped the banister. There was a
slight movement by him, and turning his
head he found Intel had crept to his
side.
Then they heard Madge's voice 1t
was low and tremuous.
"Im so sorry. Dick but
"Why. Madge. you love me?"
'Ges, love you, Dick-always have
loved you-always shall! But There
was a pause, then in a whisper, There's
Philr'
Old Intel laid 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 l can't leave
( him-can't go with you-though | love
you So"
Phil Halstan shook old Lintell's hand
from his shoulder and rose suddenly TO
his feet. He stood for moment unde-
cided. then crept away on tiptoe down
the stairs. Old Intel followed
What are YOU going to do?" he said.
Phil made no reply. He crammed his
hat on his head, opened the door and
stepped into the street. Old Lintell went
with him and they walked away together
Are you going to let her lose her one
big chance of happiness| said old Lin
tell in a low voice, ''or going to continue
to idle your life away-she keeping 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. Suddenly he
threw his head back.
you heard-she doesn't want to go
herself" he cried, almost fercely "She'd
soon forget all about it,
"A girl with heart like Madge's never
forgets," replied old Lintel What are
you going to do?' he repeated reentlessly.
"a little more time-and | might do
something big" broke out Phil
you've loafcd for three years and
done nothing" said the old man. you
know you will never do anything in art.
You've willfully shut your eyes and used
it as an excuse to yourself and her for
idling."
The young mans mouth was twitching
convulsively.
you're right" he cried in hoarse
voice. But what's there left for mo to
do? | know nothing, have done moth
ing" he finished helpessly.
BE a man. There's always something
for man to do. Remember what She
has done for you"
They had reached st. Martins church,
at Charing Cross Phil stopped and
passed hand over his brow. The old
man watched him anxiously. He saw
Phlls eye travel across the road to where
the recruiting Scrgeants were pacing slow
ly up and down, alert for new blood.
Then Phil IIalStan suddenly gave his
shoulders jerk backward.
yes" he said between his shut teeth
there's always something left for a man
to Dc"
He crossed the road.
That night Madge was sitting alone
reading letter that had been brought to
her by messenger. The tears came to her
eyes as she read the last few sentences:
For three years | have played it as
low down as fellow can But I'm 60
ing to be man at last, Madgc II you
want to make me happy, dear, make me
feel | haven't quite spoiled your life. Go
with Dick"
The letter dropped from her hand
Go with Dick" she repeated in low
tone
There was a tap at the door; then
man was shown ina young man with
pale and anxious face.
"Madgc. | couldn't leave without ask
ing you once again. Is it quite hopeless?"
he began.
She raised her eyes to his, and he saw
her lips tremble.
Not quite hopeless, Dick, dear" she
whispered.-Mainly About People.