Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1853-05-14
4 to him still closer.
Gone in. Well try what can be done for

Cone IN. wen try what can be done Ior
There was 4 change in the mans voice that
I entered large room, in which blazed brisk
fire. Before the fire sat two stout lads who turn
ed upon me their heavy eyes, with no very well
come greeting A middle aged woman stand
ing at a table, and two children were amusing
themselves with kitten on the floor
"A stranger, MOTHER said the man who had
given me so rude greeting at the door, and he
wants US to let him stay all night
The woman looked at me- doubtingly for few
moments, and then replied coldly:
We don't keep public house,
I am aware of that, ma'am,' said I !; but night
has overtaken me, and it's long way yet to c.
Too far for tired man to go on foot said The
master of the house, kindly, so its no talking
about it, mother; must give him a bed
So unobtrusively that l scarcely roticed the
movement, the girl had drawn to the woman's
side. What she said to her, I did not hear, for
the brief words were uttered in low voice; but
noticed that as she spoke one small, fair hand
rested on the womans hand. Was there magic
in that gentle touch The woman's repulsive
aspect changed into one of kindly welcome and
she said
Yes, it's long way to G.. guess we
can find place for him. Have you had any sup
per?
I answered in the negative.
The woman without further remark, drew pine
table from the wall placed upon it some cold meat
fresh bread and butter, and pitcher of new milk.
While these preparations were going on, L had
more leisure for minute observation. There was a
singular contrast between the young girl | have
mentioned, and the other inmates of the room ;
and yet | could trace strong likeness between
the maiden and the woman whom supposed to
be her mother-browned and hard as were the
features of the latter.
Soon after had commenced eating my SUPPER
the two children who were playing on the floor,
began quarrelling with each other.
John go off to bed p said the father in loud
peremptory voice, speaking to one of the children.
But John, though he could not help hearing
did not choose to obey.
DO you hear ME, Sir? Off with you repeat
ed the angry father.
Il don't want to CO. whined the child.
60, tell you, this minutep
Still, there was not the slightest movement to
obey; and the little fellow looked the very image
of rebellion. At this crisis of the affair, when
storm seemed inevitable the sister, as | supposed
her to be, glded across the room, and STOPPING
down, took the chd's hand in hers. Not word
was said; but the young rebel was instantly sub
dued. Rising, he passed out by her side, and
saw no more Of him during the evening"
Soon after had finished my supper, neighbor
came in, and it was not long before he and the
man of the house were involved in warm politi-
cal discussion, in which were many more assertions
than reasons My host was not very clear head
ed man; while his antagonist was wordy and
specious. The former, as might be supposed, very
naturally became excited, and now and then, in
dulged himsefin rather strong expressions towards
his neighbor, who, in turn, dealt back wordy
blows that were quite as heavy he had received,
and good deal more irritating.
And now 1 marked again the power of that
H. i 1
ment to her fathers side. She was there when l
first observed her, with one hand laid upon his
temple, and lightly smoothing the hair with a Ca
ressing motion. Gradually the high tone of the
disputant subsidized, and his words had in them
less of personal rancor Still, the discussion went
on and l noticed that the maiden's hand which
rested on the table when unimpassioned words
were spoken, resumed the caressing motion the
instant there was the smallest perceptible tone of
anger in the fathers voice. 1t was beautiful
sight; and l could but look on and wonder at the
power of that TOUCH so light and unobtrusive, yet
possessing spell the hearts of all around
her. As she stood there she looked like an angel
of peace, sent to still the turbulent waters of hui
man passion. Sadly out of place, I could not but
think her, amid the rough and rude; and yet
who more than they need the softening and hui
initiating influence Of one like the Gentle Hand.
Many times more during that evening did l
observe the magic power of her hand and voice
the one gentle, yet potent as the other.
On the next morning, breakfast being over,
was preparing to take my departure, when my
host informed me that if 1 would wait for half an
hour he would give ride in his wagon to
c., as business required him to go there.
was very we'll pleased to accept of the invitation.
In due time the farmers wagon was driven into
the road before the house, and was invited to get
in. l noticed the horse a gh-looking Cana
dian pony, with a certain air of stubborn endu-
rance. AS the farmer took his seat by my side
the family came to the door to see us off.
dick said the farmer, in peremptory voice.
giving the rein quick jerk as he spoke
But Dick moved not step.
Dick you vagabond get up And the farm
er's whip cracked sharply by tie ponys head.
Itavailed not, however, this second appe al. Dick
stood firmly disobedient. Next the whip was
brought down upon him, with an impatient hand
but the pony only reared up little. Fast and
sharp the strokes dealt, to the number of
half dozen. The man might as we'll have beaten
his wagon for all his end was gained.
A stout lad now came out into the road, and
catching Dick by the bride, jerked him forward,
using at the same time the customary language on
such occasions, but Dick met this new ally with
increased stubbornness, planting his fore feet more
firmly, and at a sharper angle with the ground.
The impatient boy now struck the pony on the
side of his head with his cenched hand, and jerked
cruelty at his bride. 1t avaed nothing, however;
Dick was not to be wrought upon by such argu-