Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1901-03-15
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A Change of Purpose. !
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Phil, with a 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, II have
half holiday
The figure in the window turned and
she gave little cry of surprise
"Dick!' she gasped in establishment
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.
Il hope it is something good for you,
Dick" she said. SIS it?"
Il 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
Phil Halstan was vending his way
homewards. He let himself in with his
latchkey and went up to their room.
The door was not quite shut, and he
heard voices-Madges and another's.
He recognized it after moment. Then
| he caught a 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.
Il knew things would come right at
last. Madge, dearv' Evington's voice
was saying. "But I didn't think 1t
would be as splendid as this. A good
post abroad-only open to a married
man. toov'
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 a whisper.
There's Phnp'
Old Intel laid hand on the young
mans shoulder.
"But surely Phil won't mindv' cried
Evington. "He is man, and can earn
his own living. He would not wish
you to give up this
you don't understand, Dickr' There
We're tears in Madge's voice this time.
| Some day Phil will be great artist,
be famous, but just now-he wants nv
help! Oh, Dick, I'm SO sorry, but
can't leave him-can't go with you
though love you so!''
| Phil Halstan shok old Lintelrs hand
from his shoulder, and rose suddenly to
his feet. He stood for moment UNI
decided, then crept away on tiptoe
down the stairs. Old Lintell 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 Lin
tell went with him, and they walked
away together.
Are you going to let her lose her
one big chance of happiness? ?' said old
Lintell, in a low voice; cor going to con-
tinue to idle your life away-she keep
ing your
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. Sud
| denly he threw his head back.
You heard-she doesn't want to 90
herself!' he cried, almost fiercely.
Shed soon forget all about it,"
"a girl with heart like Madge's
never forgets!' replied old Lintell.
What are you going to do?'' he repeat
ed relentlessly.
"A little more time-and l might do
something big" broke out Phil.
you've loafed for three years-and
done nothingr' 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 twitch-
ing convulsiyely.
You're right!' he cried, in a hoarse
voice. but what's there left for me to
dol know nothing, have done moth
ing" he finished helplessly.
BE a man. There's always some
thing for a man to do! Remember
what she has done for YOU"
They reached st. Martins Church
at Charing Cross. Phil stopped and
| passed hand over his brow. The old
man watched him anxiously He saw
Phil's eye travel across the road to
where the recruiting sergeants were
pacing slowly up and down, alert for.
new blood. Then Phil Halstan sud-
denly gave his shoulders jerk back.
YES" he said between his shut
teeth. There's always something left
for man to dov
| 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:
so For three years l have
played it as low down as fellow can
But I'm going to be a man at last,
Madge. If you want to make me hap
py, dear, make me feel haven't quite