DEFINITIONS.--2. Rift, a narrow opening, a cleft. 3. Swayed, swung. 5.
Height (pro. hite), an elevated place. 7. Pet'als, the colored leaves of
a flower. 8. Chal'ice, a cup or bowl. Bon'ny, beautiful.



III. THE GENTLE HAND.

Timothy S. Arthur (b. 1809, d. 1885) was born near Newburgh, N.Y., but
passed most of his life at Baltimore and Philadelphia. His opportunities
for good schooling were quite limited, and he may be considered a
self-educated man. He was the author of more than a hundred volumes,
principally novels of a domestic and moral tone, and of many shorter
tales--magazine articles, etc. "Ten Nights in a Barroom," and "Three Years
in a Mantrap," are among his best known works.

1. When and where it matters not now to relate--but once upon a time, as I
was passing through a thinly peopled district of country, night came down
upon me almost unawares. Being on foot, I could not hope to gain the
village toward which my steps were directed, until a late hour; and I
therefore preferred seeking shelter and a night's lodging at the first
humble dwelling that presented itself.

2. Dusky twilight was giving place to deeper shadows, when I found myself
in the vicinity of a dwelling, from the small uncurtained windows of which
the light shone with a pleasant promise of good cheer and comfort. The
house stood within an inclosure, and a short distance from the road along
which I was moving with wearied feet.