He slowly drew forth the letter, and unfolded it.

"You won't scream ?" said Tom doubtfully.
'"No, no," replied the widow; "let me see it." '"You won't go fainting away, or any of that nonsense ?" said Tom.
'"No, no," returned the widow hastily.
'"And don't run out, and blow him up," said Tom; "because I'll do all that for you.

You had better not exert yourself." '"Well, well," said the widow, "let me see it." '"I will," replied Tom Smart; and, with these words, he placed the letter in the widow's hand.
'Gentlemen, I have heard my uncle say, that Tom Smart said the widow's lamentations when she heard the disclosure would have pierced a heart of stone.

Tom was certainly very tender-hearted, but they pierced his, to the very core.

The widow rocked herself to and fro, and wrung her hands.
'"Oh, the deception and villainy of the man!" said the widow.
'"Frightful, my dear ma'am; but compose yourself," said Tom Smart.
'"Oh, I can't compose myself," shrieked the widow.