Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1921-01-07
HUNTING CULTURE
BY FAY HAROLD.


hated the country and everything vul-
gar.
1T amt fair" she said stormily
to her patient mother. 81 want to
learn things. Can't go to the city!
Can't 1? Why do you keep me here
You don't love me; you hate mel"
She demanded her rights hysterical-
iy. The life on the farm was sitting
her. She wanted culture in her sur
roundings. She was thwarted, dead
ened. here. What was there to see
on farm?
wait few years." said Ma Todd
soothingly. "Your father will sell the
farm. He'll be too old to run it, and
you'll never take any interest in it,
"Years!" walled Merriam. "a few
years! I'll die! | want a career ~
my Lord" said Pa Todd. pulling
his feet from the oven. what is II
now? We've sent her to school; she's
taking three correspondence courses
in some 'ologies' NJ Otlieri Career.
is it? Your career is right here, help
ing mammal
"But I'm stifled." cried Merriam. 81
i want to write plays!"
"Write 'em!' sad pa. start right
now If you want tot"
Then there was another storm in the
Todd kitchen.
~ always wanted to hear a Sym
phOny concert and climb Bunker Hill
monument myself said ma. wiping
her eyes on her sleeve in the way
that Jared sensitive Merriam. Il guess
the longing is horn in you. AS far
as I'm concerned. you can go to Bos-
ton for the winter" She shut her
mouth firmly and went out to the
back porch.
Nov, pa" said Merriam gleefully,
Il hope you'll say New YOrk-it's big
ger"
IF your ma says you can go, that
fixes 1t, and you know it. Boston is
big enough for you, l guess.
Later on, Ma Todd wept abundant
~. and Pa Todd wore most serious
expression but Merriam held them to
their promise and prepared for the
city.
That Pa and Ma Todd were lone
some they never admitted. Merian's
letters were nothing nut scanty notes
that told nothing of her career Ma
was for going after her. but pa re-
strained her.
Suddenly she heard pa hollering
and saw the waving of his hat She
knew at once Merriam was coming
home. She sprang to her feet, rushed
down the road and drew the girl into
her arms.
I've done something awful" said
Merriam after the kissing and weep
ing was over. 81 hope you'll forgive
me. I've failed and /"
I'VE expected that" said pa.
And want to come home to live"
And where else would you live?"
asked ma.
But l want to bring him with me.
you'll like him. Pm married. He
Knows everything-he's behind the
fence"
Ma and pa stood staring at the new
husband.
well, come in," said ma practical
ly. "Ill get supper"
I'll get it," SAID Merriam firmly.
I've been fussing a kitchenette six
months. Amt this grand. Charlie?"
III say 1t is agreed the new hus-
land CLASSY hern Some life"
Pa and ma started. Merriam in her
iearch for Culture had found this
Did you climb tanker Hill" asked
ma quickly
N-no," said Merriam. 81 had no
line. 1t amt in Boston anyway"
oh said ma IN disappointment.
.Did you hear the orchestra?
forgot. Charlie, you never took
ne."
Say not" answered Charlie, TAX
ng off his coat. Not for mine.
But, dearie," went on ma deter
didn't you see the North
hurch or the burying grounds or
lothing?"
Nhat we want 10 sit round bury
ne grounds forf' scoffed Charlie.
where's your n'an and your Cul-
ure and everyth,l ] sent YOU for?
WAT nave YOU aa,n?" asked pa.
She's seen everything all right"
ana Charlie proudly. Il showed her
pout' don't worry. She's been in ev-
fs cabaret and movie in town She'll
cue down now. The country life
the life when you're ready for it,
We are. What time do get up here,
opp
four a. m.," said pa shortly.
II game" said Charlie. "Mary
mn hustle the eats A farmers life
pr me-tra-la-la."
"He orders me round as though |
as little kid. Amt he wonderful?"
lssied Merriam. Hes up-to-date. He
IN hustle for you, pa. and m hustle
IF ma and we'll all be happy to-
ether like you always wanted"
But, dearie," protested ma softly
what about the highbrows. the Art
useum. the concerts and Bunker
i'll? You amt seen nothing"
I've had one grand good time. But
m 20 pounds thinner, ma. Dancing 8
d it," {
Thin as rat" said pa, land
went learned thing as | can see q