
TO ELSIE McCOLM BUTLER A VERY GOOD CHILD THIS BOOK IS INSCRIBED BY HER FATHER
I. OUR NEIGHBORS' BABIES
II. WHEN SHE CAME
III. THE DAY OF THE SPANK
In a quiet Colorado hamlet, Hiram and his wife Marthy enjoy a child‑free life that feels almost like a small, self‑contained colony. Their days drift by on a porch swing, swapping gossip about neighbors whose households are crowded with babies, school‑age worries, and endless expenses. Through warm, colloquial narration, the couple’s contentment is painted with gentle humor, as they compare their carefree routine to the frantic lives of those around them.
When Marthy mentions the rare sight of Mrs. Hemingway’s silk dress, the conversation takes a playful turn that hints at something deeper beneath the surface. Their banter about the “expensive luxury” of children suddenly carries an undercurrent of tension, suggesting that the seemingly simple pleasures of their life may soon be tested. Listeners are invited into this slice of small‑town existence, where ordinary chatter may lead to unexpected drama.
Language
en
Duration
~49 minutes (47K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Widger
Release date
2013-11-10
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1869–1937
Best remembered for the wonderfully absurd "Pigs Is Pigs," this prolific American humorist turned everyday mix-ups and small-town life into lively, sharply observed comedy. His work ranges from short stories and essays to novels, with a playful style that still feels fresh.
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by Ellis Parker Butler

by Ellis Parker Butler

by Ellis Parker Butler

by Ellis Parker Butler

by Ellis Parker Butler

by Ellis Parker Butler

by Ellis Parker Butler

by Ellis Parker Butler