“Nor have I. Not in that kind of human nature which is always wanting something for nothing.”
Linder’s report was more cheerful. The houses and barns were built and were now being painted, the plowing was done, and the fences were being run. By the use of a triangular system of survey twelve farm homes had been centralized in one little community where a community building would be erected which would be used as a school in daytime, a motion-picture house at night, and a church on Sunday. A community secretary would have his office here, and would have charge of a select little library of fiction, poetry, biography, and works of reference. The leading periodicals dealing with farm problems, sociology, and economics, as well as lighter subjects, would be on file. In connection with this building would be an assembly-room suitable for dances, social events, and theatricals, and equipped with a player piano and concert-size talking machine. Arrangements were being made for a weekly exchange of records, for a weekly musical evening by artists from the city, for a semi-monthly vaudeville show, and for Sunday meetings addressed by the best speakers on the more serious topics of the time.
“What has surprised me in making these arrangements,” Linder confessed, “is the comparatively small outlay they involve. The building will cost no more than many communities spend on school and church which they use thirty hours a week and three hours a week respectively. This one can be used one hundred and sixty-eight hours a week, if needed. Lecturers on many subjects can be had for paying their expenses; in some cases they are employed by the Government, and will come without cost. Amateur theatrical companies from the city will be glad to come in return for an appreciative audience and a dance afterward, with a good fill-up on solid farm cooking. Even some of the professionals can be had on these terms. Of course, before long we will produce our own theatricals.
“Then there is to be a plunge bath big enough to swim in, open to men and women alternate nights, and to children every day. There will be a pool-room, card-room, and refreshment buffet; also a quiet little room for women’s social events, and an emergency hospital ward. I think we should hire a trained nurse who would not be too dignified to cook and serve meals when there’s no business doing in the hospital. You know how everyone gets hankering now and then for a meal from home,—not that it’s any better, but it’s different. I suppose there are farmer’s wives who don’t get a meal away from home once a year. I’m going to change all that, if I have to turn cook myself!”
“Bully for you, Linder!” said Grant, clapping him on the shoulder. “I believe you actually are enthusiastic for once.”
“I understand my orders are to make the country give the city a run for its money, and I’m going to do it, or break you. If all I’ve mentioned won’t do it I’ve another great scheme in storage.”
“Good! What is it?”
“I am inventing a machine that will make a noise like a trolley-car and a smell like a sewer. That will add the last touch in city refinements.”
When the laugh over Linder’s invention had subsided Murdoch broached another.
“The office work is becoming pretty heavy, Mr. Grant, and I’m none too confident in the help I have. Now if I could send for Miss Bruce—”