Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1903-05-13

NMWNAMN I04 MAA 4 MAAA4
married. Your treatment Of the sub
jeot was frivolous" (reprovingly),
and I wish you to give Il your most
careful consideration. Il Is q very
serious matter
"And never a word Of Lowell" muir
INJURED Miss Serena, under her breath.
She gazed composedly out Of the
window.
"Perhapa," she said, 1--WE do not
look at this matter in the same
light" Then suddenly; "Why, the
chickens are in the garden; ! must
90 and drive them outl" 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 IL was evident she
needed rebuke, her duty should be
made plain, he would compel her to
Weld 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. II was lengthy, re-
curing nearly an hour to deliver, and
Miss Serena sat quietly and heard II
all with placid co~untenance.
Il was her duty to marry him as
soon as possible, firstly, because mar
rage was a benefcent institution
conducting to the welfare of both
man and 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.
"C~ertainlyl" said Miss Serena, soto
voce.
Thirdly, woman was the weaker
vessel. she was unfit to guide her W
afairs-and required a husband for
protection and support.
Fourthly, the minister OF the
Gospel needed . wife to assist him
in his church work and care for his
household. It was her duty to the
church as well as to himself to coin
eide with his wishes.
Lastly, it vas the intention OF the
Creator that men and women should
marry. No one should resist the Di-
vine purpose, II was sacrilege.
There was a silence as he ceased
s~peaking. Miss serena's lips were so
Der, but her eyes smiled.
81 don't believe" she said, that
am particularly interested in the in
tentions of the Almighty"
Mr.. Torrance picked up his hat
quickly, in sudden anger. He would
saw no more. This Oma was wholly
undeserving the high estate he had de
signed for her. He would find a noblel
one. who would appreciate the great
opportunity.
ave will consider the subject end
ed" he said, sternly, and departed.
Miss Serena sat for a long time med
itating.
"That old idea is working hard" she
said. thoughtfully. What if, after all
IL shouldn't have a rest? Is it endowed
with enough of the germ of truth t
keep it alive, underneath all the en-
cumbrances of age?" and for the frs
time she looked anxious.
During the next few weeks the rectoi
allowed himself no time for reflection
on the one painful subject. He wrot,
two sermons in a week instead of one
he made innumerable calls, he went Il
the city, attended conventions ant
rested not.
But the pace was too rapid. He wa.
compelled to slow up and think. Slow
" he came to the astonishing conclu
sion that no other woman would do
When he reviewed in his mindthe othe.
manageable women In the parish ant
among his acquaintance he turnet
from the mere thought Of them, sicl
at heart. He wanted them not, b
wanted her!
What was the a he could Meth
er eat o sleep, that time hung on hi
hands. that life was robbed of all in
terest and why did the future stretcl
out before him a dreary waste o
years? This mysterious drawing, thi
strange longing to go to Miss Seren'
once more and implore her to take pit,
on him and relieve his misery-was !
not decreed7
Gradually it dawned on him that thi
was love. He loved this woman, wit
her sweet, strong face, her gentle bu
firm ways, her strength of mind an.
intelligent win. Slowly another oil
F, idea came to abide with him and reves
to his mind the power Of love, create
than force. His old WORKOUT favorit
idea was sent on a long-needed vaca
ton.
One day he met Miss Serena just out
side her garden gate. The cricket
/, were chirping in the grass, the soft
ness Of the summer night was over al
"Good evening" she said, pleasantly
He ignored her salutation.
do you realize" he asked, brokenly
"that you are the unconscious cause O
the ruin of my happiness? That lii
, IL henceforth one ~unceasing pain
, WHY. even the consultations of the Got
mel avail me nothingi I love yol