Junction City bulletin. [volume] (Junction City, Or.) 189?-1901, 1901-03-14

OF bloomsbury lodging house. SHE
was young and pretty, with delicate,
thoughtful looking features. She gianc.
ed at the clock~-lt wanted few min
utes 10 D-.then rose from her seat aud.
walking TO the window. pulled back the
faded red curtains.
"A clear sky--there win be splen-
did light soon for Phil" she exclaimed.
She turned and made her way back
90 the fireplace. An envelope ON the
mantelpiece caught her eye. II was an
old one. and had been there for some
weeks, but SHE took II down once
again, and drew a card out--a mere
ordinary Christmas card. with the
words, "Madge. from Dick" written
upon II. She gaxed at II reiiectiyeiy;
then replaced II with little sigh.
"Ah, Dick" she murmured. III only
things had gone little better with
us.
The chimes OF clock striking the
hour caught her ear, and she made hnr-
ried preparations for her departure. On
her way down she tapped at door.
and opened Il nalf mn inch.
"MaDy happy returns OF the day,
Phil, dear.' she called out. tits a
lovely morning. Goodbye"
She ran down the stairs lightly. In
the hall she was met by an elderly
looking man In Il veiyetecn coat, She
nodded brightly 10 him, and he opened
the door for her.
"Your brothers birthdayf' he ask
ed with a smile.
Eyes. wo must do something To-
night In honor Of II. and you must
help US. Mr.. Lintelil Good.by--i shall
be late for my 'bus!''
About mn hour later, Phil Halstan
emerged from his room. He was tall,
weilbuilt young fellow. with a some
what heavy, indolent.looking face. lie
ate a leIsurcly breakfast, then. lighting
n cigarette. dropped into an armchair
by the fire and let his eyes travel slow.
~ ronni the dull room. A look OF dis
gust crept 10 bis face,
"Ughf' he exclaimed. "How horribly
mean and sordId II all looks. Shall
ever get out OF ltf'
Presently he rose. and. going 70 a
corner by the window, drew forward
an easel. He sat himself before Il and
gazed at the blank canvas. Then he
felt for his box Of brushes and fingered
them medltatlvely. Finally he laid
them down and looked out Of the win
dow
There was tap nt the door. and the
next moment old Mr. Linteil entered.
He lived on the upper floor and had got
10 be very friendly with Madga and
her brother.
Il won't interrupt you." he began,
with glance at the easel. II only
came TO offer you my best wlshesr'
Thanks! Please don't go" cried
PHI. as the old man moved toward the
door. "Fact is. don't think shall
do much more work now-rather
thought Of giving myself a holiday.
My birthday, you knowl" he added half
Jocularly.
Old Lintell came forward slowly. He
looked at the blank canvas.
tits going TO be great thingw 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 beea 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 q penny In his life. kept
In idleness by n 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 portfolios" he
said. II used to know something
about art"
Phil pulled II out with alacrlty, and
opened II 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 what
ever.
"WellT' asked Phil eagerly. He
shared his sisters belief In himself.
"Give me your candid opinion"
Mr.. Llntell wiped his glasses and
proceeded to obllge him, He told him
the truth-the unpleasant, naked truth
--and a wave Of color swept over young
Phil's cheek. Then he laughed.
ITS too ridiculous" he cried.
Old Mr.. Lintell rose from his chair
and made his way to the door.
"I'm sorry" he said, "but thought
you ought to know"
Phil laughed again as the door closed
on the old man--but II was an uncom-
Portable sort Of laugh-the laugh OF a
man whose mind had been suddenly
confronted with new aspect of the
case. He strobe nm and down the room.