Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1901-06-26
A CHANGE OF PURPOSE.

1t was a bright morning, and a cir
was breakfasting alone In the some
what dingy sitting room Of a Blooms
bury lodging house. She was younG
and pretty, with delicate, thoughtful
looking features. She glanced at the
clock-it wanted few minutes to g
then rose from her seat and walking tc
the window, pulled back the faded rec
curtains.
"a clear sky-there will be a splen'
did light soon for Phil" she exclaimed
She turned and made her way back to
the fireplace. An envelope on the man
telpiece caught her eye. 1t was an old
one, and had been there for some
weeks, but she took 1t down once
again, and drew q card out-a mere
ordinary card, with the words, "Madge
from Dick" written upon it. She
gazed at it refectively; then replaced
it with little sigh.
"Ah, Dick!" she murmured, "if only
things had gone little better with
us!"
The chimes of clock striking the
hour caught her ear, and she made
hurried preparations for her departure.
On her way down she tapped at door,
and opened it half an inch.
MANY happy returns Of the day,
Phil, dear!" she called out. Its a
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 asked
with smile.
"Yes. We must do something to-
night in honor Of it, and you must
help us, Mr. Lintell! Good-by-I 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 some
what heavy, indolent looking face He
ate leisurely breakfast, then, lighting
O cigarette, dropped into an armchair
by the fire and let his eyes travel slow
ly round the dull room. A look of dis
gust crept to his face.
"Ugh!" he exclaimed. How horribly
mean and sordld 1t all looks! Shall |
ever get out Of it, -;sssasz..
corner by the window, drew forward an
easel. He sat before it and gazed at
the blank canvas. Then he felt for his
box Of brushes and fingered them med
itatively. Finally he laid them down
and looked out of the window.
There was tap at the door, and
the next moment old Mr.. Intel en-
tered. He lived on the upper floor
and had got to be very friendly with
Madge and her brother.
~ won't interrupt you," he began
with a glance at the easel. II only
came to offer you my best wishes"
Thanks! Please don't CO." cried Phil
as the old man moved toward the door
"Fact is, don't think l shall do much
more work now-rather thought ol
giving myself a holiday. My birthday
you know" he added half jocularly.
Old Lintell came forward slowly. He
looked at the blank canvas.
"It's going to be great thing!" 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 been thinking
a good deal of Phil lately-this bo,
who got up late, sat dreaming half the
day, and loafed the other. who had
never earned penny in his life, KEPT
in idleness by a devoted sister who
as typist in a solicitors office, worked
hard from morn to night, believing II
him heart and soul.
He glanced up sharply at Phil.
might 1 see your portfolios" HI
said. 81 used to know something abou
art"
Phil pulled it out with alacrity, ant
opened it for the old mans inspection
Mr.. Lintell turned them over one b!
one. They were crude and badly done
with no sign of distinctive abilit!
whatever.
"Well?" asked Phil eagerly. FL
shared his sisters belief in himself
"Give me your candid opinion"
Mr.. Lintell wiped his glasses an
proceeded to oblige him. He told hin
the truth, the unpleasant, naked trutl
and wave of color swept over younI
Phips cheek. Then he laughed.
"It's too ridiculous" he cried.
Old Mr.. Lintell rose from his chat
and made his way to the door.
'Im sorry" he said, "but though
you ought to know.
Phil laughed again as the door close
on the old man-but it was an uncom
Portable sort of laugh-the laugh of
man whose mind had been suddenl
confronted with new aspect of tn
case. He strobe up and down tn
room.
"Of course, shall be famous som
day-shall pay little Madge back
thousand fold-and she doesn't min
working at present." he reflected
"And he said | hadn't particle {
ability, that was wasting my tim
that l ought to be earning my livin;
keeping Madge, instead of lettin
her."
He glanced toward the window. Th
sun was shining temptingly. Fl
walked to the mantalpiece aud four
two half-crowns which MaAge had le
there. Unthinkinglv he slipped tAes
into his pocket, then, taking hat an
stick, made his way out Of the hous
He meant to go for long walk,
think out his great flea. But i
found he could think Of nothing bl
old Mr.. Lintcll's words. The idict
sentences kept running through i
head. He, Phil IIalstan, Il mere loafe
The thing was absurd: Madge herse
would hn tho first IL -" so.
He walked for som" time. and mat
. an effort to think of something els
Presently he drUp1e-i 70 cheap re
Il