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

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!: BY FANNY PERRY GAY. :
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DEv. MIR. TORRANCE, rector of
IN Hopeworth church, had a 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 q millennium or two, and
then brought to light by some vainsoul
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 rest, and it is
very old because it has had no oppor-
tunity to renew it's youth. The rector
valued it the more highly because of
it's apparent age, for he believed he
saw therein the approval of the cen
turtles. Old! Why it was old when his
great-grandfather 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 it's
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 it's 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 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 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, a June haze lay in pur-
;, pie sheen upon the hilis, 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 Gull
tured accents:
''Miss Serena, I think you and I 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 par.
pose she arose calmly, saying:
There might be 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
on the merits of the various kinds 81
roses, until he, in utter desperation
babe her good afternoon and went
home.
He shut himself into his study, q
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. It could not >be-sht
would not-but there the poor oil
idea stopped. It could go no further
Two or three days after, he called
again on Miss Serena. She knew hi,
errand before he uttered a word
Hardly was he, seated before he he
gan:
Miss Serena he said slowly ant
impressiyely, Il think you +. led t,