The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1853-06-21
oud. peremptory voice: speaking 10 ono of tho

ulu not choose 10 ODey.
DO you hear me siri of with your repsa-
ted tho angry father aqmoa ysigg odI
Il don't whant to co. whined the child.
Go tell you this minute! ~ .srr
Still, tbero was not the slightest movement
to obey; and the little fellow, at this crisis in
the affair." began to cry; when storm seemed
inevitable, the sister as supposed her to be
glided across the room and stopping down, took
the child's hand in hers. Not word was said
but the young repel was instantly subdued.-
Rising, he passed out by her side, and saw
no more of i'm during the evening. 5
Soon after had finished my supper neigh
ber came in. and il was not long before he and
the man of the house were involved in warm
political discussion, 10 which were many more
assertions than reasons. My host was not a
very clear headed man; whllo his antagonis,
was wordy and specious. Tho former, as
might be supposed, very naturally became ex-
| cited, and, now and then indulged himself in
rather strong expressions towards his noighbor
who in turn, dealt back wordy blows that
were quite as heavy as he had received, and a
| good deal more irritating.
And now marked again the power Of that
maden's gentle hand. did not notice her
movements to her fathers side. She was there
when first observed her. with ore hand laid
| upon his templo.sn1 lightly smoothing his hair
with carossing motion. Gradually tho high
tho high tone of the disputant subsidized. and
his words had in them less of personal rancor
Still, the discussion went on, and noticed that
tho ma'den's hand, which rested on the tenn
pie when unimpassioned words were spoken,
resuming it caressing motion the instant there
was the smallest perceptabIe tone ofanger in
the fathers voice. 1t was a beautiful sight
and l could but look on and wonder at the
power of that touch, so light and uhobtrusive
yet possessing spell over the hearts of all a
round her. AS she stood there she looked
like an angel of peace, sent to still the turbu-
lent waters of human passion. Sadly out of
place, / could not but think her amid the
rough and rude; and yet who, more than they,
need the soitening power and bumanizing in
fuences of one like the Gentle Hand.
Many times more, during that evening, did /
observe the magic power of her hand and voice
tho 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 would wait for
half an hour he would give me ride in his
wagon to G-,a as business required him
to 60 there. was very well pleased to accept
of the invitation. In due time the farmers
wagon was drove ito the road before the house
and l was invited to get in. | noticed the
horse as a rough looking Canadian bony, with
a certain air of stubborn endurance. AS the
farmer took his seat by my side, the family
came to the door to see us off.
'Diekp 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 far
mer's whip cracked sharply by the ponys ear.
1t availed not, however, This second appeal:
Dick stood firmly disobedent Next the whip
was brought down upon him. with an impa tient
hand: but the pony only reared up lttle.-
Fast and sharp the strokes were next dealt. to
the number of half dozen. The man might
have IA we'll beaten his wagon.
A stout lad came ont into tho road, and
catching dick by the bride, jcrked 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 sharper anglo with
the ground. The impatient boy now strnck
the pony on the side with his clenched hand.
and jerked cruelty at the bride. 1t avaied
nothing however: Dick was not to be wrought
upon any such arguments.
Don't do so Johnr turned my head as the
maiden's sweet voice reached my ear. she
was passing through tho gate ifitothe. road,
and in the next moment was taking hold OF the
lad to draw him away from the animal. No
strength was excrted in this, she took hold of
his arm, and he obeyed her wish as readily as
if he had no thought beyond her qualification
And now that soft hand was laid gently on
the pony's neck and single low word spoken
How instantly were the tense muscles relaxed,
how quickly the stubborn air vanished.
Poor dickv said the maiden as she stroked
his neck lightly, or softly pattcd il with child
like hand.
Now, 90 along, you provoking fellow!' she
added in a half ending, yet atfectonate voice
rs she drew up the bride. The pony turned
towards her, aud rubbed his head against her
arm for an instant or two; then, prcking up
his ears, he started off at light cheerful trot,
and went on his way as ii no silly crotchet ev-
or entered his stubborn brain.
What a wonderful power that hand possess
esl said ], speaking to my companion, as we
rode away.
He looked at me for q moment as if my re-
m rk had occasioned surprise. Then light
came into his countenance and he said briefly:
She's good! Every body and everything
loves her.
Was that indeed the secret Of her power!
Was the quality of her soul perceived IN the
impression of her hand even by brute beasts!
Tne Fathers explanation was doubtless, the
true one Yet 1 have over since wondered,
and still do wonder, at the potency which lay
in that maidon's magic touch. 1 have seen
something OF tho same power, aud showing
itself in the loving aud the good, but never to
the extent as iustanced in her, whom, for bet
ter name must still call 'Gentle hand
A gentle touch, soft word. Ahl how few
OF US, when tho will is strong with its purpose,
can believe in the power of agencies SO apPa-
rantly insignificant. And yet, all great intu-
ences effect their ends silently, unoblrusively
and with force that seems at hrst glance to
be altogether inadequate. Is there nota les
son Tor US all in this?