“ ‘Oh, dear, what can it be?’ exclaimed the poor widow.

“ ‘Don’t be frightened,’ said Tom Smart. 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.