Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1903-04-30
The RcCtOr'S
Enlightenment
BY FANNY PERRY GAY.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES

DEV. MR.. TORRANCE, rector Of
n 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 a millennium or two, and
then brought to light by some vain soul
who imagines he has begotten a new
thought. a 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 il 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
turtles. Old Why it was old when his
great-grandfather was a bald-headed
infant-it was old when the world was
youngi
But the poor old idea had spent its
energy. It was. in its present condi-
ton decrepit, infrm, very weak on its
legs, fit only for a sanitarium, where
it could recuperate and reclothe itself
in the strength and garments ofyouth.
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 a very clear concep-
ton 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 word,
Man was the embodiment of Power;
while Woman, albeit a somewhat nee
essary appendage, was withal an in
ferior being, intended by the Creator
to submit in passive obedience to Man
and do his will.
When, therefore, the rector made up
his mind to offer proposal of mar
rage to Miss Serena Baldwin, one of
the worthy and devoted women of his
parish, he never so much as dreamed
of opposition or defeat. Neither did
he consider it necessary to lead up to
the point cautiously and with due mod
Grafton, as many lovers do. 1t was in
early summer, a June haze lay in pur-
pie sheen upon the hills, the air was
velvet perfume. He was sitting in Miss
Serena's parlor, the picture of minis
terial dignity, his hands resting on his
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, think you and would
better be married"
Now Miss Serena was possessed Of
ideas also. Some of them were like
his and some were not. She was a
woman of great discernment-she
could see things. For some time she
had known that the rector was going
to propose to her. In fact, she had
known it before he did; and she also
knew her own mind. She knew she
loved him for his many excellent quail
ties, she intended to marry him, but
she was convinced that the old worn
out idea which he cherished so fondly
should have a good long rest.
Accordingly when the Rev. The
ophilus Torrance in such summary
terms acquainted her with his pur-
pose she arose calmly, saying:
There might be difference of opin-
ion on that subject! Come out into
the garden, Mr., Torrance, and see my
roses"
She led the way, ignoring what was
so evidently in his mind, and talking
on the merits of the various kinds of
roses, until he, in utter desperation
babe her good afternoon and went
| home.
He shut himself into his study. a
dazed and bewildered man. The old
idea came hating forth. What! had
she refused him? Impossible! And
yet, she had certainly not accepted
his offer. Worse yet, she had ig-
nored the expression of his wishes
He would not submit to such treat
ment, it was wholly out Of Gods or
der of things. 1t could not be-she
would not-but there the poor old
idea stopped. 1t could go no further
Two or three days after, he called
again on Miss Serena. She knew his
errand before he uttered a word.
Hardly was he seated before he be-
gan:
"Miss Serena" he said SLOWLY and
tmpressively, 81 think you f led to
grasp the importance of y word
the other day. I rema Led that
thought you and 1 would better b
married. Your treatment of the sub
ject was frivolous" (reprovingly)
land 1 wish you to give it your mos
careful consideration. 1t is yer.
serious matter"
"And never a word of Lowell" muir
INJURED Miss Serena, under her breath
She gazed composedly out Oh Uni
window.
Perhaps" she said, 1--WE do no
look at this matter in the SAM
light" Then suddenly: "Why, tn
chickens are in the garden; l mus
go and drive them out!" and furthe;
discussion was ended for that day
Mr.. Torrance again sought th'
privacy of his study in a perturbet
state of mind. He had no intention
of changing his purpose, ne woul'
marry her. But it was evident sh'
needed rebuke, her duty should b.
made plain, he would compel her Il
yield at once, and cease this exasper
ating delay.
} He forthwith prepared an elabor
ate argument for her instruction
Indeed, it was a sermon, nothing
more or less, with the different head
in due order 1t was lengthy, re
auiring nearly an hour to deliver an'