第72章

Was there magic in that touch? The woman's repulsive aspect changed into one of kindly welcome, and she said: "Yes, it's a long way to G----.I guess we can find a place for him."Many times more during that evening, did I observe the magic power of that hand and voice--the one gentle yet potent as the other.On the next morning, breakfast being over, I was preparing to take my departure when my host informed me that if I would wait for half an hour he would give me a ride in his wagon to G-- --, as business required him to go there.I was very well pleased to accept of the invitation.

In due time the farmer's wagon was driven into the road before the house, and I was invited to get in.I noticed the horse as a rough-looking Canadian pony, 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.

"Dick!" said the farmer in a peremptory voice, giving the rein a quick jerk as he spoke.But Dick moved not a step."Dick! you vagabond! get up." And the farmer's whip cracked sharply by the pony's ear.

It availed not, however, this second appeal.Dick stood firmly disobedient.Next the whip was brought down upon him with an impatient hand; but the pony only reared up a little.Fast and sharp the strokes were next dealt to the number of half a dozen.The man might as well have beaten the wagon, for all his end was gained.

A stout lad now came out into the road, and, catching Dick by the bridle, 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 the head with his clenched hand, and jerked cruelly at its bridle.It availed nothing, however; Dick was not to be wrought upon by any such arguments.

"Don't do so, John!" I turned my head as the maiden's sweet voice reached my ear.She was passing through the gate into the road, and, in the next moment, had taken hold of the lad and drawn him away from the animal.No strength was exerted in this; she took hold of his arm, and he obeyed her wish as readily as if he had no thought beyond her gratification.

And now that soft hand was laid gently on the pony's neck, and a single low word spoken.How instantly were the tense muscles relaxed-- how quickly the stubborn air vanished.

"Poor Dick!" said the maiden, as she stroked his neck lightly; or softly patted it with a childlike hand."Now, go along, you provoking fellow!" she added, in a half-chiding, yet affectionate voice, as she drew up the bridle.

The pony turned toward her, and rubbed his head against her arm for an instant or two; then, pricking up his ears, he started off at a light, cheerful trot, and went on his way as freely as if no silly crotchet had ever entered his stubborn brain.

"What a wonderful power that hand possesses!" said I, speaking to mycompanion, as we rode away.

He looked at me for a moment, as if my remark had occasioned surprise.Then a light came into his countenance, and he said briefly, "She's good! Everybody 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? The father's explanation was doubtless the true one.Yet have I ever since wondered, and still do wonder, at the potency which lay in that maiden's magic touch.I have seen something of the same power, showing itself in the loving and the good, but never to the extent as instanced in her, whom, for want of a better name, I must still call "Gentle Hand."DEFINITIONS:--Vicinity, neighborhood.Unobtrusively, not noticeably, modestly.Repulsive, repelling, forbidding.Potent, powerful, effective.Host, one from whom another receives food, lodging, or entertainment.Peremptory, commanding, decisive.Availed, was of use, had effect.Ally, a confederate, one who unites with another in some purpose.Tense, strained to stiffness, rigid.Relaxed, loosened.Chiding, scolding, rebuking.Crochet, a perverse fancy, a whim.Instanced, mentioned as an example.