The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1901-05-03
q T was a bright morning in January.
| and a girl was breakfasting alone

y
thoughtful looking features. She glane-
ed at the clock-it wanted few min
utes to 9-then rose from her seat and.
walking to the window, pulled back the
faded red curtains.
"a clear sky-there will be splen-
did light soon for Phil" she exclaimed.
She turned and made her way back
to the fireplace An envelope on the
mantelpiece caught her eye. 1t was an
old one, and had been there for some
weeks, but she took It down once
again, and drew a card out-a mere
ordinary Christmas card, with the
words, "Madge, from Dick" written
upon it. She gazed at 1t rehectively;
then replaced 1t with little sigh.
"Ah Dick" she murmured, IF only
things had gone a little better with
usr'
The chimes of a clock striking the
hour caught her ear, and she made hur-
ried preparations for her departure. On
her way down she tapped at a door,
and opened it nalf an inch.
MANY happy returns of the day,
Phil, dearr' she called out. ITS
lovely morning. Good-by!'
She ran down the stairs lightly. In
the hall she was met by an elderly
looking man in a velveteen coat. She
nodded brightly to him, and he opened
the door for her.
"Your brothers birthday?" he ask
ed with a smile.
Eyes. We must do something to-
night in honor of it, and you must
help us, Mr.. Lintelil Good-by-l shall
be late for my bus"
About an hour later, Phil Halstan
emerged from his room. He was a tall,
wen-built young fellow, with a some
what heavy, indolent-looking face. He
ate leisurely breakfast, then, lighting
a cigarette, dropped into an armchair
by the fire and let his eyes travel slow
ly round the dull room. look of dis
gust crept to his face.
"Ugh! he exclaimed. "How horribly
mean and sordid it all looks! Shall
ever get out of itT''
Presently he rose, and, going to q
corner by the window, drew forward
an easel. He sat himself before it and
gazed at the blank canvas. Then he
felt for his box of brushes and fingered
them meditatively. Finally he laiC
them down and looked out of the win
dow.
There was a tap at the door, and th'
next moment old Mr.. Intel entered
He lived on the upper floor and had go
to be very friendly with Madge ant
her brother.
81 won't interrupt you" he began
with glance at the easel. 81 onl.
came to offer you my best wishesr'
'TThanksl Please don't CO." crie'
Phil as the old man moved toward tn
door. Fact Is. l don't think l shal
do much more work now-rathe
thought of giving myself a holiday
My birthday, you know" he added hal
jocularly.
Old Intel came forward slowly. H
looked at the blank canvas.
ITS going to be a great thing" e1
planned Phil. "Im working out til
idea now-it takes time, you know"
The old man nodded, and looked OF
Of the window He had been thinkin
a good deal of Phil lately-this DO
who got up late. sat dreaming half III
day, and loafed the other. who ha
never earned a penny in his life, kel
in tdleness by a devoted sister who. {
typist in a solicitors office, worke
hard from morn to night, believing
him heart and soul.
He glanced up sharply at Phil.
might 1 see your portfolioY'
said. 'T used to know somethir
about art"
Phil pulled It out with alacrity, al
opened it for the old mans inspectio
Mr.. Intel turned them over one
one. They were crude and badly don
u with no sign of distinctive ability wha
ever.
"Wellg' asked Phil eagerly.
shared his sisters belief in himse
"Give me your candid opinion"
Mr.. Intel wiped his glasses al
proceeded to oblige him. He told hi
the truth-the unpleasant, naked tru
and a wave Of color swept over you
Pills cheek. Then he laughed.
sIts toe ridiculous" he cried.
Old Mr.. Intel rose from his chs
and made his way to the door.
"I'm sorry" he said, "but thong
you ought to know"
Phil laughed again as the door clos
on the old man-but 1t was an unco
Portable sort Of laugh-the laugh of
man whose mind had been sudden
confronted with new aspect Of
case. He strobe W and down the roo
"Of course. l shall be famous sol
day-shall pay little Madge back
thousandfold-and she doesn't mi