Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1903-04-03
The RcctOr'S
Enlightenment
BY FANNY PERRY GAY.

BY FANNY EENN1 GAY.
DEV. MR.. TORRANCE, rector of
n 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 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 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 it's
energy. It was, in its present condi-
ion decrepit, infirm, very weak on its
egs, fit only for a sanitarium, where
t could recuperate and reclothe itself
the strength and garments of youth.
his, however. Rev. Mr.. Torrance would
,ot allow. He had no compassion for
is age-but the time came for its de1iv-
rance.
The rector had a very clear concep-
ion of his favorite but aged idea, name
V: The Man was the sovereign ruler
NJ Ho fr111 hor
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
sssary 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
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 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 goin g
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 fond1y
| 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 my
roses.''
She led the way, ignoring what wa.
so evidently in his mind, and ta1kins
N the merits OF the various kinds o.
roses, until he, in utter desperation
,ade her good afternoon and wen
1ome.
He shut himself into his study.
iazed and bewildered man, The ok
tiea came hating forth. What has
;he refused him? Impossiblei An.
! set, she had certainly not accepte,
his offer Worse yet, she had ig
iored the expression OF his wis es
| lie would not submit to such treat
nent. it was wholly out Of Gods or
Ter of things. It could not be-sh
would not-but there the poor oil
dea stopped. It could go no further
Two or three days after, he caIle
sgain on Miss Serena. She knew 1li
:rrand before he uttered wore
| hardly was he seated before he be
san:
.-..siss Se-enas he said slowl- an
rnpress:seiy. II think you +. Ted {