Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1901-07-08

was breakfaSting alone in the some
what dingy sitting room of Blooms
bury lodging house. She was young
and pretty, with delicate, thoughtful
looking features. She glanced at the
clock-it wanted few minutes to g
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 man
telpiece caught her eye. 1t was an old
one, and had been there for some
weeks, but she took it down once
again, and drew card out-a mere
ordinary card, with the words, "Madge,
from Dick" written upon it. She
gazed at it reflectively; then replaced
it with a little sigh.
"Ah, Dick" she mlrmured, "if only
things had gono a little better with
u.s."
The chimes of clock striking the
hour caught her ear, and she made
hurried preparations for her departure
On her way down she tapped at door,
and opened it half an inch.
MANY happy returns of the day.
Phil, dear!" she called Gut. Its a
lovely morning Good-by!"
She ran down the stairs lightly. In
the hall she was met by an elderly
looking man in a yelveteen coat She
nodded brightly to him. and he opened
the door for her.
your brothers birthday" he asked
with a smile.
Yes. 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 bus"
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 a 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 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 before it and gazed at
| the blank canvas. Then he felt for his
box of brushes and fingered them med
itatively. Finally he laid them down
and looked out of the window.
There was a tap at the door, and
the next moment old Mr.. Lintell en-
| tarnd 10 1unI tha HnDr
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. 81 only
came to offer you my best wishes!"
Thanks, Please don't 60" crieG Phil,
as the old man moved toward the door.
Fact is, | don't think shall do much
more work now-rather thought Of
giving myself holiday. My birthday,
yot know!" he added half jocularly.
Old Lintell came forward slowly. He
looked at the blank canvas.
Its going to be a 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
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 solicitors Office, worked
/ hard from morn to night, believing in
him heart and soul
He glanced up sharply at Phil.
"Might | see your portfolio? he
said. 81 used to know something about
art"
Phil pulled it out with alacrity, and
opened it for the old mans inspection
Mr.. Lintell turned them over one by
one. They were crude and badly done,
with no sign of distinctive ability
whatever.
"Well?" asked Phil eagerly. He
shared his sisters belief in himself
"Give me your candid opinion"
Mr.. Intel wiped his glasses and
! proceeded to oblige him. He told him
the truth, the unpleasant, naked truth
and a wave of color swept over young
Phils cheek. Then he laughed.
"It's too ridiculous" he cried,
and made his way to the door.
I'm sorry" he said, but l thought
you ought to know"
| Phil laughed again as the door closed
on the old man-but it was an uncom-
Portable sort of laugh-the laugh Of a
man whose mind had been suddenly
confronted with a new aspect of the
case. He strobe up ana down the
room.
"Of course, shall be famous some
day-shall pay little Madge back q
thousand fold-and she doesn't mind
working at present." he reflected
"And he said | hadn't particle OF
ability, that l was wasting my time
that ought to be earning my living
keeping Madge, instead of letting
her"
He glanced toward the window. The
sun was shining temptingly. He
walked to the mantelpiece and founC
q Oh, To- Irro 1,nl loct