“ ‘Ah!’ said Tom.

“ ‘Is there anything more you want, Sir?’ inquired the widow, rather puzzled by Tom’s manner.

“ ‘Why, yes,’ said Tom. ‘My dear ma’am, will you have the kindness to sit down for one moment?’

“The widow looked much amazed, but she sat down, and Tom sat down too, close beside her. I don’t know how it happened, gentlemen⁠—indeed my uncle used to tell me that Tom Smart said he didn’t know how it happened either⁠—but somehow or other the palm of Tom’s hand fell upon the back of the widow’s hand, and remained there while he spoke.

“ ‘My dear ma’am,’ said Tom Smart⁠—he had always a great notion of committing the amiable⁠—‘my dear ma’am, you deserve a very excellent husband⁠—you do indeed.’