The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1921-03-18
STUBBORNNESS
BY ADDlE GRAVES.

SSSS9TSHSSSSSHSSSSSHSSSS
20 1921. 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 ex-
change of words-taunts that could
not be forgiven on either side. But a
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 very rare proceeding
and home was seldom deserted, even
by the greatest provocation.
When they We're 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
through the children by |
word of mouth, or, II too young, the
subject matter was written and deliv-
cred In that form. 1t was quite con-
Tenient, there were so many children.
Neither parent tried to lower the 9th.
n in the estimation of the children;
{ was simply case of each keeping
lis dignity preserved and his word in
act. There were weddings and death
the homes but even these did not
liter the situation. If the house had
urned it would still have been the
anne.
All the children turned out" ex-
eedingly well, the eldest developing
1to a skilful surgeon. One day In
ummer he and his wife were visiting q
ne old homestead, which was situated .
| the country. The weather was ex- !
eptionally hot-so hot that no one
ad been able to sleep well for severa,
lghtS. The doctor made some lemon.
lie and took 1t out to the family, who
ere all sitting under the twin naples
the front yard. In a short time Ii
as noticed that the father was Sleep
g. Not until supper was ready did
lyone try to wake him. When 1t was
led he could not be reused.
armed they carried him to the J
use and laid him on a couch In the
ing room. The doctor-son STAYED !
tn him until the others finished the
FRIED meal, when the sleeper awoke.
looked at his Son and incurred
lat had happened.
Il think, father, your heart NAV be
little wrong-don't you think-in !
'e anything should happen-you had
ter tell mother your wishesY'
4 surprising look of gladness-for TIT
dying person-fashed over the ia w
RS face.
Yes, son. bring mother"
'ut mothers face was twisted with
ef as she threw herself upon the IT
strate form.
Mary John "-~simuItaneously.
he doctor left the room and an
red to the astounded children with
'ide grin on his face.
They are having u heavenly time in
here" directing his thumb toward liz
door he had just emerged from TT.
sweetest honeymoon-they are "e
mushiest, spooniest couple YOU POI
d imagine. l gave father stiff all
of bromide in his lemonade; an,
es not thing ails him. I Just ox,
advantage of a good opportunity.
,ty rough treatment to cause a
to think he might be dying, but me
fought the case needed and de- apI