The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1903-04-16
The ReCtOr'S
Enlightenment
BY FANNY PERRY GAY.


~ Hopeworth church, had choice
collection of ideas. None of them orig
mated with him, for ideas were born
with the world and are simply passed
on from age to age, sometimes lost to
view for millennium or two, and
then brought to light by some vain soul
who imagines he has begotten new
thought, fresh dream.
But the rector had one idea which
the sons of men have never lost sight
of, it has never had a rest, and it is
very old because it has had no oppor-
tunity to renew its youth. The rector
valued it the more highly because of
its apparent age, for he believed he
saw therein the approval of the cen-
turies. Old! Why it was old when his
great-grandfathe was bald-headed
infant-it was old when the world was
young!
But the poor old idea had spent its
energy. 1t was. in its present condi-
tion decrepit, infirm, very weak on its
legs, fit only for sanitarium, where
it could recuperate and reclothe itself
in the strength and garments of youth.
This, however. Rev. Mr.. Torrance would
not allow. He had no compassion for
its age-but the time came for its deliv-
erance.
The rector had very clear concep-
tion of his favorite but aged idea, name
": The Man was the sovereign ruler
Of the world and the fullness thereof
building the cities, waging the wars,
governing the nations, writing the
books, conquering the beasts of the
field and making even the wilderness to
blossom under his hand-in a word
Man was the embodiment Of Power;
while Woman, albeit somewhat nee
essary appendage, was withal an in
ferior being, intended by the Creator
to submit in passive obedience to Mar
and do his will.
When. therefore, the rector made ny
his mind to offer proposal of mar
riage to Miss Serena Baldwin, one Of
the worthy and devoted women of hi
parish, he never so much as dreamed
of opposition or defeat. Neither die
he consider it necessary to lead up tt
the point cautiously and with due mod
Grafton, as many lovers do. It was il
early summer, June haze lay in pur
pie sheen upon the hills, the air wa
velvet perfume. He was sitting in Mis-
Serena's parlor, the picture of minis
terial dignity, his hands resting on hi
gold-headed cane. They had been dis
cussing the affairs of the church, when
suddenly, imperatively, but withal be
nevolently. as if with pleasure at con
ferring high honor, he said, in cul
tured accents:
"Miss Serena, I think you and woul,
better be married"
Now Miss Serena was possessed O
Ideas also. Some of them were lik
his and some were not. She was
woman of great discernment-sh
could see things. For some time sh
had known that the rector was goin
to propose to her. In fact, she ha
known it before he did; and she ais
knew her own mind. She knew sh
loved him for his many excellent quail
ties, she intended to marry him, bu
she was convinced that the old worr
out idea which he cherished so fondl
Should have good long rest.
Accordingly when the Rev. TIL,
ophilus Torrance in such summar
terms acquainted her with his pul
pose she arose calmly, saving
There might be a difference of opi1
lon on that subject; Come out int
the garden, Mr.. Torrance, and see m
roses"
She led the way, ignoring what wa
so evidently in his mind, and talkin
on the merits of the various kinds I
roses. until he, in utter desperation
bade her good afternoon and WEI
home.
He shut himself into his study,
dazed and bewildered man. The 6
idea came halting forth. What! hs
she refused him? Impcssiblel A,