Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1901-07-08
A CHANGE OF PURPOSE.

! stick, made his way out OF the house.
He meant to 20 for long walk, to
think out his great idea. But he
found he could think of nothing but
old llr. Lintell's words. The idiotic
sentences kept running through his
head. He Phil Halstan, mere loafer!
The thing was absurd; Madge herself
would be the first TO say so.
He walked for some time, and made
an effort to think of something else.
Presently he dropped into cheap res
taurant to have lunch. He sat down to
a table; next to Kim two men were
talking rather excitedly.
81 don't care who it Isl" one was
declaring emphatically. "The chap
who loafs while woman works for i'm
is 'ound, and deserves to be kicked!
Why I'd sooner sweep the roadway"
Phil, with red face, rose and hur-
riedly left the place.
1t was half-past two the same after
noon 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 sparkled
She saw a young man standing by the
window. His back was turned to her
"Phil!" she cried joyously. 81 have
half holiday"
The figure in the window turned and
she gave little cry of surprise.
"Dick," she gasped in astonishment.
Dick Evington came toward her,
holding out his hand.
Just Dick" he answered with q
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
checks; he thought he had never seen
her look so beautiful.
II hope it is something good for you,
Dick" she said. is it,"
81 don't know-yet," he said slowly.
THAT is, until I've heard what you
have to say
Now it happened that at this mo-
ment Phil Halstan was vending his
way hom Yards. He let himself in
with his latchkey and went up to their
room. The door was not quite shut,
and he heard voices-Madge' and an
others. He recognized it after mo-
ment. Then he caught few of the
words. He glanced around. The land
ing was dark. Hardly knowing what
he did, he sank down on the first stair
and listened.
81 knew things would come right
at last, Madge, dear!" Evington'5
voice was saying. But didn't think
it would be as splendid as this. A good
post abroad-only open to married
man, too"
There was a pause. Outside Phil
grasped the bannister. There was a
light movement by him, and turning
his head he found Lintell had crept to
his side.
Then they heard Madge's voice. 1t
was low and tremulous.
I'm so sorry, Dick, but"
why, Madge, you love me?"
Yes, love you, Dick-always have
loved you-always shall! But" There
was a pause. then in whisper,
There's Phil"
Old Lintell laid hand on the young
mans shoulder.
But surely Phil won't mind" cried
Eyington. He is a man and can earn
his own living. He would not wish
you to give up this,
you don't understand, Dick" There
were tears in Madge5 voice this time
Some day Phil will be a great artist,
be famous, but just now-he wants my
help! Oh, Dick. Pm so sorry, but
cant leave him--can't go with yau-
though l love you SOL"
Phil Halstan shook old Lintell's
hand fpm his shoulder, and rose sud-
denly TO his feet. He stood for a mo-
ment undecided, then crept away on
tip-toe to the stairs. Old Lintell fol-
| lowed.
"What are you going to 6o?" he said.
Phil made no reply. He crammed his
hat on his head, opened the door and
stepped into the street. Old Lintell
went with him, and they walked away
together.
Are you going to Let her lose her
one bis chance CT happiness?" said old
Iintell in a low voice; "or going to
continue to idle your life away-she
keeping you?"
Phil hardly seemed to hear him. He
was stridng along with his hands
thrust deep IN his pockets, his eyes
staring straight ahead of him. Sud
deuly he threw his head back.
"You heard,-she doesn't want to go
hersolf!" he cried, almost fiercely
Shed soon forget all about it."
"a girl with heart like Madge'a
never forgets!' replied old Intel
What are you going to do?" he re-
peated, relentlessly
"A little more time-and l might de
something big!" broke out Phil.
you've loafed for three years-ant
done nothing!" said the old man. "Yor
know you will never do anything il
art. You've wlfully shut your eyes
and used it as an excuse to yourself
, and her for idling."
The young mans mouth was twitca
! inc convTleiyely