Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1901-04-12
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1
He glanced toward the window. The
sun was shining temptfflgly He walk
ed to the mantelpiece and found two
half-crowns which Madge had left
there. Unthinkingly he slipped these
into his pocket, then, taking hat and
stick, made his way out of the house.
He meant to go for long walk, to
think out his great idea. But he found
he could think of nothing but old Lin
tells words. The idiotic sentence kept
running through his head. He, Phil
Halstan, a mere loafer! The thing was
absurd; Madge herself would be the
first to say so.
He walked for some time, and made
an effort to think of something else.
Presently he dropped into cheap res
taurant to have lunch. He sat down
at table; next to him two men were
talking rather excitedly.
| Il don't care who it isw one was de-
claring emphatically. "The chap who
loafs while woman works for i'm is a
'ound, and deserves to be kicked! Why,
I'd sooner sweep the roadway
Phil, with red face, rose and hur-
riedly left the place.
1t was half past the same afternoon
when Madge ran lightly up the stair
case of the house in Bloomsbury, and
burst into the sitting room. Her face
was flushed and her eyes sparkled. She
saw young man standing by the win
dow. His back was turned to her.
"Phil!' she cried joyously, 81 have a
half holiday
The figure In the window turned and
she gave little cry of surprise.
"Dick!' she gasped in astonishment.
| Dick Evington came toward her,
holding out his hand.
"Just Dick" he answered with a
smile. He caught her hand and stood
looking into her face. Something has
happened, Madge, and I've come up at
once from Arlington to tell you about
it."
There was a dainty flush on her
cheeks; he thought he had never seen
her look so beautiful
II hope 1t is something good for you,
Dick" she said. SIS itT'
81 don't know-yet," he said, slowly.
THAT is, until I've heard what you
have to say"
Now it happened that at this moment
fhh Afn1ston-wos urapd;-,- nav
homewards. He let himself In with his
latchkey and went up to their ROOM
The door was not quite shut, and he
heard voices-Madge's and another's
He recognized 1t after moment. Then
he caught few of the words. He
glanced round. The landing was dark.
Hardly knowing what he did, he sank
down on the first stair and listened.
az knew things would come right Mt
last. Medge, dearv Evington's voice
was saying. But didn't think 1t
would be as splendid as this. A good
post abrOad-0nly open to married
man, tool!
There was a pause. Outside Phil
| grasped the bannister. 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 tremulous.
I'm sorry. Dick. but"
"Why. Madge, you love me?"
eyes, love you, Dick-always have
loved you-always shall! But
There was pause, then in whisper
"There's Philv'
Old Intel laid hand on the young
mans shoulder.
"But surely Phil won't mindw 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, Dickv' There
were tears in Madge's voice this time
"Some day Phil will be great artist
be famous, but just now-he wants my
help! Oh, Dick, I'm so sorry, but
can't leave him-can't 60 with you
though love you so!'
from his shoulder, and rose suddenly t
his feet. He stood for a moment un
decided, then crept away on tiptot
down the stairs. Old Lintell followed
what are you going to DOR he said
Phil made no reply. He crammet
his hat on his head, opened the doc
and stepped into the street. Old Lin
tell went with him. and they walket
. away together.
"Are you going to let her lose he
one big chance Of happlness?" said oil
Lintell, In low voice; "or going to con
tinue to idle your life away-she keep
ing your
Phil hardly seemed to hear him. H
, was striding along with his ham.