The Aberdeen Democrat. (Aberdeen, South Dakota) 1???-1909, 1903-03-27

grasp the Importance of ny words
the other day. I remarked that !
thought you and would better be
married. Your treatment of the sub
iect was frivolous" (reprovingly),
land wish you to give it your most
careful consideration. 1t is a very
serious matter"
"And never a word of loye!!' muir
INJURED Miss Serena, under her breath.
She gazed composedly out of the
window.
Perhaps" she said, 1--WE do not
look at this matter in the same
light" Then suddenly: why, the
chickens r in the garden; l must
go and drive them Quit" and further
discussion was ended for that day.
Mr.. Torrance again sought the
privacy of his study in a p%erturbed
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 a sermon, nothing
more or less, with the different heads
in due order. 1t was lengthy, re-
quiring nearly an hour to deliver, and
Miss Serena sat quietly and heard it
all with placid countenance.
1t was her duty to marry him as
soon as possible, firstly, because mar
riage was a benefcent 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. 1t was law
Gods law.
Certainly" said Miss Serena, soto
voce.
Thirdly, woman was the weaker
vessel, she was unfit to guide her own
affairs-and required a husband for
protection and support.
Fourthly, the minister of the
Gospel needed a wife II assist him
in his church work and care for his
household. 1t was her duty to the
church as well 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 "a sacrilege.
There was a silence as he ceased
speaking. Miss Serena's lips were So
Der. but her eyes smiled.
81 don't believe" she said, shat I
am particularly interested in the in
tentions of the Almighty"
Mr.. 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
he said, sternly, and departed.
Miss Serena sat for a long time med
'That old idea is working hard" she
said. thoughtfully !. "What if, after all,
it shouldn't have a rest? Is itendowed
with, enough of the germ of truth to
keep it alive, underneath all the en-
of age?" and for the first
limo che 1oo1-aI ory;o,,C
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 ard
not.
But the pace was too rapid. He was
compelled to slow up and think. Slow
he came to the astonishing conclu-
sion that no other WOMAN would do.
When he reyiewedin his mindthe other
manageable women in the parish and
among his acquaintance he turned
rom the mere thought of them, sick
1t heart. He wanted them not, he
wanted her!
What was the reason Ne could Meth
II eat nor sleep, that tilne hung on his
that life was robbed of all in
and why did the future stretch
tut before him a dreary waste of
This mysterious drawing, this
strange longing to go 20 Miss Serena
once more and implore Ter to take pity
IN him and relieve his misery-was it
not decreed?
Gradually it dawned On him that this
vas love. He loved this woman, with
Ter sweet. strong face, her gentle but
irIn ways, her strength of mind and
intelligent will. Slowly another old
dea came to abide with him and reveal
his mind the power OF love, greater
han force. His old worn-out favorite
dea was sent on a long-needed vaca-
ion.
One day he met Miss Serena ~justout-
ide her garden gate. The crickets
chirping in the grass, the soft
Iess of the summer night was over all.
tGood evening" she said, pleasantly.
He ignored her salutation.
do you realize" he asked. brokenlvl