"What a wonderful power that hand possesses!" said I, speaking to
my companion, 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.
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