The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1903-04-03
The RcCtOr'S
Enlightenment
BY FANNY PERRY GAY.
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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, 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
turtles. Old! Why it was old when his
great-grandfather was a bald-headed
nfant-it was old when the world was
Young!
But the poor old idea had spent its
mercy. 1t was, in its present condi-
ion decrepit, infrm, very weak on its
egs, fit only for sanitarium, where
t could recuperate and reclothe itself
the strength and garments of youth.
his, however, Rev. Mr.. Torrance would
rot allow. He had no com passion for
is age-but the time came for its deliv-
rance.
The rector had a very clear concep-
ion of his favorite but aged idea, name
V: The Man was the sovereign ruler
If 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 a somewhat nee
assary 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
riage 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. It was in
early summer, 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
gOldheaded cane. They had been dis
cussing the affairs of the church. when,
suddenly. imperatively, but witha1 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 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 a difference of opin-
ion on that subject! Come out into
the garden, Mr.. Torrance, and see nv
roses"
She led the way, ignoring what was
so evidently in his mind. and talking
81 the merits of the various kinds of
roses, until he, in utter desperation.
sade her good afternoon and went
home
he shut himself into his study. a
LACED and bewildered man. The old
dea came hating forth. What! had
;he refused him? Impossiblei And
get, she had certainly not accepted
lis offer. Worse yet, she had ir-
iored the expression of lis wis, es
lie would not submit to such treat
nent, it was wholly out of Gods or
Ter of things. 1t could not be-she
would not-but there the poor old
dea stopped. 1t could 60 no further.
Two or three days after, he called
rgain on Miss Serena. She knew his
:rrand before he uttered q word.
Hardly was Re seated before he. be-
.an: =
Hiss Se-enn." he said slowl and
mpress:SelS. II think you f. Ted TO