The Cooperstown courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., N.D.) 1902-1913, 1903-03-26

the other day. / remarked that
thought you and l would better be
married. Your treatment of the SUBJ
ject was frivolous" (reprovingly),
land wish you to give it your most
careful consideration. 1t is very
serious matter"
'"And never word of Lowell" muir.
INJURED Miss Serena, under her breath.
She gazed composedly out of the
window. W.
Perhaps" she said, tive do not
look Mt this matter in the Same
light" Then suddenly: "Why, the
chickens are in the garden; l must
go and drive them Out!" and further
discussion was ended for that day.
Mr.. Torrance again sought the
privacy of his study in perturbed
state Of mind. He had no intention
of changing his purpose, he would
marry her. But it was evident she
needed rebuke, her duty should be
made plain, he would compel her to
yield at once, and cease this exasper-
ating delay.
He forthwith prepared an elabor-
ate argument for her instruction.
Indeed, it was sermon, nothing
more or less, with the different heads
in due order. 1t was lengthy, re-
quiring nearly an hour to deliver, and
Miss Serena sat quietly and heard it
all with placid countenance.
1t was her duty to marry him as
soon as possible, firstly. because mar
rage was beneficent institution,
conducting to the welfare of both
man and woman. Had not God said
it was not good for man to be alone?
Each needed the other.
Secondly, marriage was an old in
stitution, as old as life; and whatever
had been must be. It was law
Gods law.
Certainly" said Miss Serena, soto
voce.
Thirdly, woman was the weaker
vessel, she.was unfit to guide her own
affairs-and required a husband for
protection and support.
Fourthly, the minister OF the
GOSPEL needed wife to assist him
in his church work and care for his
household. It was her duty to the
church as we'll as to himself to coin
eide with his wishes.
Lastly, It was the intention of the
Creator that men and women should
marry. No one should resist the Di-
vine purpose, it was sacrilege.
There was silence as he ceased
speaking. Miss Serena's lips were So
Der. but her eyes smiled.
81 don't believe" she said, chat l
am particularly interested in the in
tentions of the Almighty"
Mr.. Torrance picked up his hat
quickly, in sudden anger. He would
say no more. This woman was wholly
undeserving the high estate he had de-
signed for her. He would find a nobler
one, who would appreciate the great
opportunity.
eve will consider the subject end
ed" he said, sternly, and departed.
Miss Serena sat for a long time med
itating.
s.That old idea is working hare" she
said, thoughtfully. ''What if, after all,
it shouldn't have rest? Is il endowed
with enough of the germ Of truth to
keep it alive, underneath all the en-
cumbrances of age?" and for the first
time she looked anxious.
During the next few weeks the rector
allowed himself no time for reflection
on the one painful subject. He wrote
two sermons in a week instead of one,
he made innumerable calls, he went to
the city, attended conventions ard
rested not.
But the pace was too rapid. He was
compelled to slow up and think. Slow
" he came to the astonishing conclu-
sion that no other woman would do.
When he reviewed in his mind the other
manageable women in the parish and
among his acquaintancss he turned
from the mere thought of them, sick
at heart. He wanted them not, he
wanted her!
What was the reason he could Meth
er eat nor sleep, that ti1ne hung on his
hands, that life was robbed of all in
terest and why did the future stretch
out before him a dr.xry waste of
years? This mysterious drawing, this
strange longing to go 20 Miss Serena
once more and implore her to take pity
on him and relieve his nisery-was it
not decreed?
Gradually it dawned GA him that this
was love. He loved this woman, with
her sweet, strong face, her gentle but
firm ways, her strength of mind and
intelligent will. Slowly another old
idea came to abide with him and reveal
to his mind the power Of love, greater
than force. His old worn-out favorite
idea was sent on long-needed vaca-
ton.
One day he met Miss Serena just out
side her garden gate. The crickets
were chirping in the grass, the soft
ness of the summer night was over all.
"Good evening"" she said, pleasantly.
He ignored hepsalutation.
do you realize" he asked, brokenly,
.sthat you are the unconscious cause of
the ruin of my happiness? That life
is henceforth one unceasing pain?
Why, even the consultations of the Cos