Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-03-21


 light" Then suddenly: "Why, the chickens are in the garden; I must go and drive them outl" and further discussion was ended for that day.
 MT. Torrance again sought the privacy of his study in a 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. It was lengthy, re- quiring nearly an hour to deliver, and Miss Serena sat quietly and heard it all with placid countenance.
 It was her duty to marry him as soon as possible, firstly, because mar riage was a 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, sotto voce. ..... .-..
 Thirdly, woman was the weaker vessel, she was unfit to eAide her own affairs-and required hN band for protection and support.
 Fourthly, the minister of the Gospel needed a 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. 4r
 "I don't believe" she said, "that I am particularly interested in the in- tentions of the Almighty"
 MT. 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.
 "We will consider the subject end- ed," he said, sternly, and departed.
 Miss Serena sat for long time med- itating.
 'That old idea is working hard" she said, thoughtfully. What if, after all, it shouldn't have rest2 Is 1t 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 and rested not.
 But the pace was too rapid. He was compelled to slow up and think. Slow ly he came to the astonishing conclu- sion that no other woman would do. When he reviewed in his mind the other mATT1aRGdDkN WOTkINll All blC JdEISIl Luu among his acquaintances he turned from the mere thought of them, sick at heart. He vented them not, he wanted her!
 What was the reason he could neith- CT eat nor sleep, that time hung on his hands, that fife was robbed of all in- terest and why did the future stretch out before him dreary waste of years? This mysterious drawing, this strange longing to go to Miss Serena once more and implore her to takepity on him and relieve his misery--was 1t not decreed?
 Gradually it dawned on 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 a long-needed vaca- tion.
 One day he met Miss Serena just, out side her garden gate. The crickets were chirping in the grass, the soft 
 Good evening"" she said, pleasantly.
 He ignored her salutation.
 "Do you realize" he asked, brokenly, "that 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 pei avail me nothing! I love you, Serenn!"
 She looked up quickly at his face, white and drawn, in the gathering shadowH of the night "Theophilus," she asked, with twin kle of the eye, "did ever say I wouldn't marry you?"
 He started. Astonishment and slow ly-awalcening hope were in his face.
 'Do you-do you intend to say" he began.
 "Yes!" she replied, smiling. CT in- tend to say. Come, dear, let's go in out 1NL of n