Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1901-05-10

clock-it wanted a few minutes to 3
then rose from her seat and walking t
the window, pulled back the faded reI
curtains.
"A clear sky-there will be a splen
did light soon for Phil" she exclaimed
She turned and made her way back t.
the fireplace. An envelope on the man
telpiece caught her eye. II was an oil
| one, and had been there for som
| weeks. but she took ii down ono
again, and drew a card out-a mer'
ordinary card, with the words, "Madge
from Dick" written upon it. Sh
gazed at 1t refiectively; then replaced
it with little sigh.
"Ah, Dickn' she murmured, "if onll
things had gone a little better witt
u.s.
The chimes Of clock striking TIL
hour caught her ear, and she mad'
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, dearl" she called out ITS ;
lovely morning. Good-by,"
She ran down the stairs lightly II
the hail she was met by an elderl!
looking man in velveteen coat. Shs
nodded brightly to him. and he opened
the door for her.
Your brothers birthday" he asket
with smile.
"Yes. We must do something to
night in honor of 1t, and you mus
help us, Mr.. Lintelll Good-by-I shal
be late for my 'busl"
A6out an hour later Phil Halstan
emerged from his room. He was tall
well-built young fellow. with a some
what heavy. indolent looking face HI
ate leisureiy 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.
"Ughi' he exclaimed. How horribly
mean and sordid Il all looks. Shall
ever get OUT or II.
Presently he rose, and, going to q
corner by the window. drew forward an
easel. He sat before it and gazed al
the blank canvas. Then he felt for his
box Of brushes and fingered them med
itatively Finally he laid them dow
and looked out of the window.
There was tap at the door, and
the next moment old Mr.. Lintell en-
tered. He lived on the upper fiool
and had got to be very friendly witt
Madge and her brother.
al won't interrupt you" he began
with a glance at the easel. 81 only
came to offer you my best wishesl"
"Thanksi Please don't go, cried Phil
as the old man moved toward the door
"Faet is. don't think shall do much
more work now-rather thought ol
giving myself holiday My birthday
you know.n 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 oil
of the window. He had been thinking
a good deal of Phil lately-this bo!
who got up late. sat dreaming half the
day, and loafed the other, who hal
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 II
him heart and soul.
He glanced up sharply at Phil.
I Might | see your portfolio?H he
said. 81 used to know something about
art"
Phil pulled it out with alaerity. ant
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 H'
shared his sisters belief in himself
"Give me your candid opinion"
Mr.. Intel wiped his glasses ami
proceeded to oblige him. He told hin
the truth, the unpleasant, naked truth
-and a wave OF color swept over youns
Phils cheek Then he laughed.
Its too ridiculous he cried.
Old Mr.. Lintell rose from his chail
and made his way to the door.
I'm sorry" he said. "but thought
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 suddsnl,
confronted with new aspect of tn.
case. He strode up and down ths
room,
"Of course. shall be famous soml
day-shall pay little Madge back {
thousand fold-and she doesn't mfnt
working at present." he reflected
"And he said ! hadn't a particle o.
ability. that | was wasting my time
that | ought to be earning my living
keeping Madge. instead of lettin:
her"
He glanced toward the window. Tn,
sun was shining temptingly. He
walked to the mantelpiece and founs
two half-crowns which Madge had left
there. Unthinkingly he slipped thes,
into his pocket. then. taking hat ant
stick, made his way out OF the house
He meant to go for long walk. t
think out his great idea But h,
found he could think Of nothing bu
old Mr. Lintell's words The idiotl,
sentences kept running through hil
head He, Phil Halstan. a mere loafer'
The thing was absurd; Madse hersel
would be the first to say so.
He walked for some time. and mad,
an effort to think of something else
| Presently he dropped into cheap res
taurant to have lunch. He sat down /,
table; next to him two men werl
talking rather excitedly.