The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1901-03-01
! A Change Of PURPOSE
A Story About an Artist Who Had
No Talent.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES

Many happy returns of the day, Phil,
dear!' she called out. Its a lovely
morning. Goodbye
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 asked,
with a smile.
Yes. We must do something tonight
in honor of it, and you must help us, Mr..
Intel. Goodby. l shall be late for my
bus
About an hour later Phil Halstan
emerged from his ROOM He was a tall.
well built young fellow with a somewhat
heavy, indolent looking face. He ate a
lelsurely breakfast, then, lighting a ciga-
rettc dropped into an armchair by the
lire and let his eyes travel slowly round
the dull room. look of disgust crept to
his face.
Ugh" he exclaimed. "How horribly
mean and sordid it all looks. Shall l
ever get out of it,"
Presently he rose and, going to a cor
ner by the window. drew forward an
easel. He sat himself before it and gaz-
ed at the blank canvas. Then he felt for
his box of brushes and fingered them
medtatively. Finally he laid them down
and looked out of the window.
There was a tap at the door, and the
next moment old Mr.. Intel entered.
lie lived on the upper floor and had got
to be very friendly with Madge and her
brother
Il won't interrupt YOU" he began with
a glance at the easel. Il only came to
offer YOU my best wishes"
Thanks. Please don't GO" cried Phil
as the old man moved toward the door.
Fact is, don't think shall do much
more work now. Rather thought of Civ
ing myself holiday Ny birthday. YOU
know" he added, half iocuarly.
Old Intel came forward slowly. He
looked at the blank canvas.
Its going TO be a great thing" OK
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 been thinking a
good deal of Phil latcly-ths boy who got
up late, sat dreaming half the day and
penny in his life. kept in idlcness by n
devoted sister who as typiSt in a solicit
tors office worked hard from morn TO
night, believing in him heart and soul.
He glanced up sharply ut Phil
"Alight | see your portfolio?" he said
u used to know something about art"
Phil pulled it out with alacrity and
opened it for the old mans inspection.
Mr.. Intel turned them over one by
one. They were crude and badly done.
with no sign of distinctive ability what
ever.
"Wcn?" asked Phil eagerly. lie shared
his sisters belief in himself. Give me
your candid opinion"
Mr.. Intel wiped his glasses and pro
ceeded to oblige him. He told him the
truth-the unpleasant, naked truth-and
a wave of color swept over young Pills
check. Then he laughed
ITS too ridiculous" he cried.
Old Mr.. Intel rose from his chair and
made his way to the door.
I'm sorry" he said, but l thought
you ought to know"
Phil laughed again as the door closed
on the old man. but it was an uncomfort-
able sort of laugh-thc laugh of man
whose mind has been suddenly confront
ed with a new aspect of the case He
strobe up and down the room.
"Of course shall be famous some day
shall pay little Madge back thousand
fold-and she doesn't mind working at
present" he reflected. And he said
hadn't a particle of ability. that | was
wasting my time, that ought to be earn
ing my living, keeping Madge. instead of
letting her
He glanced toward the window. The
sun was shining temptingly. He walked
to the mantelpiece and found two half
crowns which Madge had left there.
Unthinkingly he slipped these into his
pocket. then, taking his hat and stick.
made his way out of the house
He meant to 90 for long walk. to
think out his great idea. But he found
he could think of nothing but old Lin
tells words. The idiotic sentences kept
running through his head. He. Phil Hal
stan. a mere loafer! The thing was alb
surd. Madge herself would be the first
to say so.
He walked for some time and made an
effort to think Of something else. Pres
emily he dropped into cheap restaurant
to have lunch He sat down at table.
Next to him two men were talking rather
exctcdly.
Il don't care who it is" one was de.
claring cmphatically, the chap who
loafS while a woman works for him is
hound and deserves to be Kicked Why.
I'd sooner sweep the roadway"
Phil with red face. rose and hurried
" left the place.
1t was half past 2 the same afternoon
when Madge ran lightly up the staircase
of the house in Bloomsbury and burst
into the sitting room. Her face was
flushed. and her eyes sparklcd. She saw
a young man standing by the window.
His back was turned to her.
"Phl," she cried joyously, 81 have
half holiday"
The figure in the window turned and
she gave a little cry Of surprise.
"Dick" she gasped in establishment.
Dick Evington came toward her. hold
ing out his hand.
Just Dick" he answered, with
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 dainty flush on her cheeks.
He thought he had never seen her look
so beautiful.
81 hope it is something good for you,
Dick" she said. "ls itY
II don't know-yet," he said slowly
"that is, until I've heard what you have
A.