Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1901-05-10
A CHANGE OF PURPOSE.



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 spsrklsd.
She saw young man standing by the
window. His back was turned to her.
"Phill" she cried joyously. Il 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 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 1t is som sthing good for you,
Dick she said. sIs it?"
Il don't know-yet,1 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 homewards. He let himself in
with his iatchkey aud went up to their
room. The door was not quite shut,
and he heard voices-Madge's and an
others. He recognized 1t after mo-
ment. Then he car vt a few of the
words. He glanced Ind. 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 Eyington's
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 Phll
grasped the bannister. There was
s-ight 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 20 sorry. Dick. but
why, Madge, you love me?"
Yes. love you. Dicl1-always havo
loved you-always shall. Bnt--" There
was pause. then in a whisper,
There's Phil"
Old Lintell laid hand on the young
mans shoulder.
But surely Phil won't mind," cried
Evington. 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 Madge's voice this time
Some day Phil will be a great artist.
be famous. but Just now-he wants my
helpl Oh. Dick. I'm so sorry, but
can't leave him-can't go with YOU
enousn ! ioFe you 50.
Phil Halstan shook old Llntell's
hand from his shoulder. and rose sud
denly to his feet He stood for a mo-
ment undecided, then erept away on
ap-toe 70 inc stairs. Old Lintell fol-
lowed.
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 Lintell
went with him, and they walked away
together.
Are you going TO let her lose her
one big chance of happiness?" said old
Intel in a low voice: 1or going in
continue to Idle your life awavEsbs
keeping you?u
Phil hardly seemed 10 hear him. He
was striding along with his hands
thrust deem in his noclsets h;s evas
staring straight ahead of him sud-
denly he threw hi, head hack
"you heard-sba doesr't want 10 90
herself!" he cried. almost fiercely.
Shed soon forget all about it,
"A girl with heart like Madse,s
never forgets," replied old Idntell
awbat are Won golng to dog" he "a.
peated. rele1tlessly
"a little more time-and I might do
something big broke out Phil
ayon've loafed for three vears-,pd
done notbine,r said the old man ..You
know Won will never do ANYTHING in
art You've wilfully shut your ewes
and used il AZ an excuse 10 vourself
and her for idljpe,p
me younq mans mouth was twitch-
ing convulsively.
You're right,4 he cried, in hoarse
voice. but what's there left for me %
dol know nothing, have done moth
ingl" he finished heiplevsiy.
BE a man There's always some
thing for a man to do, Remember