30. 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.--2. Vi-cin'i-ty, neighborhood. 16. Un-ob-tru'-sive-ly, not
noticeably, modestly. 17. Re-pul'sive, repelling, forbid-ding. 18.
Po'tent, powerful, effective. Host, one from whom another receives food,
lodging, or entertainment. 20. Per'emp-to-ry, commanding, decisive. 21.
A-vailed', was of use, had effect. 22. Al-ly', a confederate, one who
unites with another in some purpose. 25. Tense, strained to stiffness,
rigid. Re-laxed', loosened. 20. Chid'ing, scolding, rebuking. 27.
Crotch'et, a perverse fancy, a whim. 30. In'stanced, mentioned as an
example.



IV. THE GRANDFATHER.

Charles G. Eastman (b. 1816, d.1861) was born in Maine, but removed at an
early age to Vermont, where he was connected with the press at Burlington,
Woodstock, and Montpelier. He published a volume of poems in 1848, written
in a happy lyric and ballad style, and faithfully portraying rural life in
New England.

1. The farmer sat in his easy-chair