"
"No doubt they would; no doubt they would, Judith," returned the
other, looking at her keenly, as if he would ascertain whether
she were really capable of making such a sacrifice. "But, are you
sartain, gal, you could find it in your heart to part with your
own finery for such a purpose? Many is the man who has thought he
was valiant till danger stared him in the face; I've known them,
too, that consaited they were kind and ready to give away all they
had to the poor, when they've been listening to other people's hard
heartedness; but whose fists have clench'd as tight as the riven
hickory when it came to downright offerings of their own. Besides,
Judith, you're handsome- uncommon in that way, one might observe
and do no harm to the truth - and they that have beauty, like to
have that which will adorn it. Are you sartain you could find it
in your heart to part with your own finery?"
The soothing allusion to the personal charms of the girl was well
timed, to counteract the effect produced by the distrust that the
young man expressed of Judith's devotion to her filial duties.
Had another said as much as Deerslayer, the compliment would most
probably have been overlooked in the indignation awakened by the
doubts, but even the unpolished sincerity, that so often made this
simple minded hunter bare his thoughts, had a charm for the girl;
and while she colored, and for an instant her eyes flashed fire,
she could not find it in her heart to be really angry with one whose
very soul seemed truth and manly kindness.
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