The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1922-01-19
STUBBORNNESS
sy ADpiE GRAVES.
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(sj 1921 by Mcclure Newspaper Syndieate.>
They had not spoken TO each other
for twenty-five years, amt 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 10
speak-"until their dying day"-they
continued to live together as man and
wife. This happened years ago, when
a divorce was 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. Ii 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-
ceedngly odd but not unpleasant ex-
perience to visitors to enter into such
a 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 nforAatiOn 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. II was quite con
venient. there were so many children.
Neither parent tried to lower the 9th
ar in the estimation of the children
it was simply "A case of each keeping
his dignity preserved and his word in
tact. There were weddings and death
i'm 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-
'eedngly well, the eldest developing
into Il 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-
reptionally hot-sO hot that no one
mad been able To sleep well for several
nights. The doctor made some lemon
lde and took it ont To the family, who
were all sitting under the twin naples
IN the front yard. In "A short time il
was noticed that the father was sleep
ne. Not until supper was Gasly III.
anyone try To wake him. When it was
tried he could moi he reused.
harmed they carried him 10 the
living room The doctor-son stayed
with him until the others finished the
hurried meal when the sleeper awoke.
lie looked ut his son and inquired
wha. had happened.
81 think, father, your heart may be
A little wrong-don't you think-in
case anything should happen-you had
better tell mother your wishes?"
\ surprising look of gladness-for
A dying person-ilashed over the fa-
TIERS face
Yes. son, bring mother"
But mothers face was twisted with
grief as she threw herself upon the
PROSTATE form.
Mary John simultaneously.
The doctor left the room and ap-
peared to the astounded children with
n wide grin on his face.
They are having a heavenly time
in there" directing his thumb toward
the door he had just emerged from
the sweetest honeymoon-they are
the muShiest, spoonest couple Won
could imagine. gave father a stiff
dose of bromide i'm his lemonade !;
there's not n thing aiIs him. I Just
took advantage of good opportunity
Pretty rough treatment To cause
man to think he might be dying. but
| thought the ease needed and de-
served IT,"