Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1921-03-09
STUBB0RNNESS
BY ADDlE GRAVES.
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e 1891. by Mcclure NeMspaper Syndicate

" SO600N0NONOS0O 6N0N0N0N000N
(@ 1884, by Mcclure Newspaper syndicate)
They had not spoken to each other
for twenty-five years, and during that
time nine children had been born to
them. When the first child was two
years old they had had bitter e1-
change Of words-taunts that could
not be forgiven on either side. But
short time after the fierce quarrel the
second child entered this world, so,
although both had sworn never to
speak-"until their dying day'-they
continued to live together as man and
wife. This happened years ago, when
divorce was a very rare proceeding
and home was seldom deserted, even
by the greatest prOvocation.
When they were married he was
nineteen and she sixteen. SO, at the
end OF twenty-five years both were
still young. 1t was strange that youth
could be so stubborn. This was ex-
planned by their Puritan ancestry,
from which they inherited the iron
bound obstinacy they termed principle
The spoken word must be kept at any
cost.
1t was strange life, but during all
these years the tragedies, accidents
and comedies of existence had not
broken the silence. 1t was an eX-
ceedingly odd but not unpleasant eX-
perience to visitors to enter into such
home life. Contrary to expectations,
the family were exceptionally enter
tanning, all being fine musicians and
persons of culture, making them
agreeable companions. In fact, the
household was noted for its charm
ing hospitality.
Any information required or which
was desired given by the parents was
transferred through the children by
word of mouth, or, If too young, the
subject matter was written and deliv-
cred in that form. 1t was quite con-
venient, there were so many children.
Neither parent tried to lower the 9TH
er in the estimation Of the children
1t was simply case Of each keeping
his dignity preserved and his word in
tact. There were weddings and death
In the home. but even these did not
alter the situation. If the house had
burned it would still have been the
same.
All the children turned out" ex-
ceedingly well, the eldest developing
into skilful surgeon. One day in
summer he and his wife were visiting
the old homestead, which was situated
in the country. The weather was ex-
ceptionally hot-so hot that no one
had been able to sleep well for several
nights. The doctor made some lemon
ade and took it out to the family, who
were all sitting under the twin naples
in the front yard. In a short time it
was noticed that the father was sleep
Ing. Not until supper was ready did
anyone try to wake him. When it was
tried he could not be reused.
Alarmed, they carried him to the
house and laid him ON couch in the
living room. The doctOr-son stayed
with him until the others finished the
hurried meal, when the sleeper awoke.
He looked at his son and inquired
what had happened.
II think, father, your heart may be
a little wrong-don't you thnk-in
case anything should happen-you had
better tell mother your wishes?"
A surprising look of gladness-for
dying person-faShed-o the IA
theirs face.
Eyes, son. bring mother"
But mothers face was twisted with
grief as she threw herself upon the
PROSTATE form.
MARY !"-"JOhn !"-simutaneousy
The doctor left the room and ap-
peared to the astounded children with
wide grin on his face.
"They are having heavenly time
in there" directing his thumb toward
the door he had just emerged from
"the sweetest honeymoon-they are
the mushiest, spooniest couple you
could imagine. l gave father a stiff
dose of bromide in his lemonade
there's not thing ails him. I just
took advantage of a good opportunity
Pretty rough treatment to cause a
man to think he might be dying but
/ thought the case needed and de-
served it,"