Year: 1864

And now l marked again the power OF the
maideas gentle hand. I did not notice her
movement to her fathers side. She was there
when first observed her. with one hand laid
upon his temple, and lightly smoothing his
hair with caressing motion. Gradually the
high tone of the disputants subdued, and their
words had in them less personal rancor. Still
the discussion went on; and l noticed that :he
maiden's hand, which rested on the temple
when impassioned words were spoken, resum-
ed its caressng motion the instant there was
the smallest pereeptible tone of anger IN her
fathers voice.


1t was beautiful sight, and could but
look on and wonder at the power Of that touch,
SO light, so unobhusive, yet possessing spell
over the hearts of all around her. As she
stood there she looked like an angel of peace
sent to still the turbulent waters Of human
passion. Sadly out place I could but think
of her, amid the rough and rude; and yet, who
more than they need the softeniug and human
king influence OF one like the Gentle Hand


Many times more, during the evening, did 1
observe the magic power OF her hand and
vOce-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 l would wait half
an hour he would give me ride in bis wagon
to c.. as business required him to go
there. l WAS very well pleased to accept the
invitation. In due time the farmers wagon
was driven into the road before the house and
I was invited to get in. l noticed the horse
as a rough looking Canadian poney, with
certain air of stubborn endurance. AS the
farmer took his seat By my side the family
came to the door to see US of.


"Dicll !" said the farmer, in a peremptory
voice, giving the rein quick jerk as he spoke.


But Dick moved rot step.


"Dick you vsgabond get up" And the
farmer cracked his whip sharply Ia the POney' 8
ear.


II avAilsd not, however, this secoAd appeal.
Dick stood firmly disobsdiens. Next the whip
was brought down upon him with an impa.
tient hand; but the pony oaly reared up a
little. Fast and sharp the strokes were next
dealt, to the number Of half . dozen. The
man might as well have beaten his wagon for
all his end was gained.


| A stout lad now came cut into the road,
and catching Dick by the bride, jerksd him
forward using, at the same time, the oustOma-
ry language on such occasions but Dick met
this new ally with increased stub oraness, plan
ting his fore-feet more firmly, and at shar-
per angle. The impatient boy now struck
the pony on the side OF the head, with his
cIenchSd had. and jerked cruelty at his bri-
die. 1t avaied nothing, however; Dick was
not to be wrought upon by any such argu-
ments.


Don't dc go John P' turned my head
as the maidens sweet voice reached my ear
She was passing through the gate into the
road, and in the next moment she had caught
hold OF the lad, and had drawn him away from
the animSI. No strength was exerIed in this;
she took hold of his arm, and he obeyed her
as readily as if he had no thought beyond her
qualification.


And now that soft hand was laid gently on
ponys neck, and single low word was spo-
ken. How instantly were the ters muscles
relaxed-how quickly the stubborn air van
ished


"Poor Dick p said the maiden, as abe strok-
ed his neck lightly, or softly patied it with her
chiIdlike hand.


"Now, go along, you provoking fellow p
she added, in half chiding yet affectionate
| VOICE, as su6 uE0W u pOu INC DAIulc. 4 nc PO-
ny turned toward her, and rubbed his head
against her arm for an instant two then
pricking up bis ears he started off as cheer
full trot, and went on bis way as freely as il
no silly cretchet had ever entered his stubborn
brain.


"What a wonderful power that hand pos
sessed ' said l, speaking TO my companion, as
we rode away.


He looked at me for moment, as if my
remark had Occasioned surprise. Then 4
light came into his contenance, and he said
briefly,


"She's good Everybody and everything
loves her.


Was that, indeed, the secret of ber power
Was that quality of her soul perceived in the
impression of her hand, even by brute beasts
The fathers explanation was, doubtless, the
true one. Yet have I ever since wondered
and still do wonder, at the potency that lay
in the maidens touch. l have seen some
thing of the same showing itself in the loving
and good, but never to the extent instancec
in her whom, for Il better name, 1 must still
call "Gentle Hand"


A gentle touch, soft word. Ah how few
of US, when the will is strong with its pur
pose can believe in the power of agencies Sc
apparently insignificant. And yet all grea
influences effect their ends silently, unobtru
sively, and with force that seems, at frs
glance, to be altogether inadequate. Is ther
not lesson in all this?