Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1864-12-30
VOL XLVI.
GENTLE HAND.
BIZ T. S. Arthur

did not hear ths maiden's name but in
my thoughts have ever since called her
"GentIe Hand" What a magic lay in her
touch. 1t was wonderful.
When and where, it matters not now to re-
late; but once upon a time, as l was passing
through thinly peopled district of country,
night came upon me, almost unawares. Be
ing on foot, could not hope to gain the vii
lage towards which my steps were directed un-
til late hour; I therefore preferred seeking
shelter and nights lodging at the first hum
be dwelling that presented itself.
Dusky twilight was giving place to deeper
shadows, when l found myself in the vicinity
of a dwelling, from the small uncurtained
windows of which the light shone with pleas
ant promise of good cheer and comfort. The
house stood within an enclosure, and short
distance from the road along which l was
moving with wearied feet. Turning aside, and
passing through an ill-hung gate, approach
ed the dwelling. Slowly the gate swung on
its wooden hinges, and the rattle of its latch
in closing, did not disturb the air until had
nearly reached the little porch in front OF the
house, in which a slender girl, who bad no.
ticed my entrance stood awaiting my arrival.
A deep, quick bark succeeded, almost like
an echo, the sound of the shutting gate. and
sudden as an apparition, the form OF an i'm
mense dog loomed 10 the door way. 1 was
now near enough to see the savage aspect OF
the animal and the gathering motions of his
body as be prepared to bound forward upon
me. His wolfish growl was really fearful
At the instant when he was about to spring
a light hand was laid upon his shaggy neck
and low word spoken.
Don't be afraid. He won't hurt you, u
said voice that to me sounded very sweet
and musical.
now came forward, but in some doubt as
10 the young girls power over the beast on
whose rough neck her almost childish hand
lay. The dog did not seem by any means
reconoiled to my approach, and grOWlsd wick
edly his dissatisfaction.
go in, Tiger" said the girl not in a voice
of authority, yet in her gentle tones was the
consciousness that she would be obeyed; and
as she spoke she lightly bore upon the animal
with her hand, and be turned away and dis
appeared within the dwelling.
"Who's that" A rough voice asked the
hONA
the dogs place in the door
"Who ara you? What's wanted ?" There
was something harsh and forbiddiRg in the
way the man spoke. The girl now laid hel
hand upon his arm and leaned With gentle
pressure against him.
Chow far is it to G-?" L asked
not deerning it best to say, in the beginning
that 1 sought resting place for the night.
"To G-!'' growled the man, but moi
so hurshly az at first. "It's good six miles
from here"
"A long distance; and I'm stranger OIL
foot" said I. If you can make room for ms
until morning, will be very thankful"
saw the girls hand move quietly upon his
arm until it rested on the shoulder, and now
she leaned still closer to him.
"Come in. Well try what can be done fol
YOU" There was change in the mans VoiCt
that made me wonder.
entered large room in which blazed 6
brisk fire. Before the FIRE sat two stout lads
who turned upon me their heavy eyes with nc
very welcome greeting. A middle aged wo-
man was standing by a table, and two chill
dren we're 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 said coldly,
ave don't keep public house"
II am aware of that ma'am," said l, ''but
night has overtaken me. and its q long way Il
c."
'Too far for tired man to go on foot,
said the master of the house kindly, $50 its nj
use talking about it, mother, we must give
him bed"
So unobtrusively, that scarcely notices
the movement, the girl had drawn to the wo
mans side. What she said to her did no
hear, for the brief words were uttered is lov
voice; but noticed as she spoke, one small
fair hand rested on the woman's arm. Their
was a magic 10 that gentle touch The wo
mans repulsive aspect changed into one o
kindly welcome, as she said:
eyes, it is long way TO c.. I gueS
we can find place for him. Have you haC
any supper ?"
answered in the negative.
The woman without further remark drew
pine table from the wall, and placed upon
some cold meat, fresh bread and butter, and
pitcher of new milk. While these prepara
tions were going on, had leisure for NOR
minute observation. There was q singula
contrast between the little girl have men
toned and other inmates of the room, and Ye
I could trace strong Likeness between Oh
maiden and the woman, whom l supposed t
be her mother, Drowned and hard as were th
features of the latter.
Soon after 1 commenced my supper, tn
two children who were playing on the hool
began quarrelling with each other.
John, go off to bed !" said the father, in
loud, peremptory voice, speaking to one of th
children.
But John, though he could not help hea
ing, did not choose to obey.
"Do you hear me, sir? OF with you !" r.
peated the angry father.
81 don't want to co." whined the child.
"Go tell you, this minute!"
Still there was not the slightest movemeI
to obey; and tie little fellow looked the veI
image of rebellion. At this crisis in the aRai
when the storm seemed inevitable, the siste
as 1 supposed her to be, glided across Il
room, and STOPPING down, took the child
hand in hers. Not word was spoken; bI
the young rebel was instantly subdued. Ri
ing, he passed out by her side, and l saw I
more of him during the evening.
Soon after finished my supper, nsighb'
came iu, and it was not long before he and Il