‘Tom was thinking how he should open the case, so he made no answer. ‘“There’s a very nice ham,” said the widow, “and a beautiful cold larded fowl. Shall I send ‘em in, Sir?” ‘These words roused Tom from his reflections. His admiration of the widow increased as she spoke. Thoughtful creature! Comfortable provider! ‘“Who is that gentleman in the bar, ma’am?” inquired Tom. ‘“His name is Jinkins, Sir,” said the widow, slightly blushing. ‘“He’s a tall man,” said Tom. ‘“He is a very fine man, Sir,” replied the widow, “and a very nice gentleman.” ‘“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.” ‘“Lor, Sir!” said the widow--as well she might; Tom’s mode of commencing the conversation being rather unusual, not to say startling; the fact of his never having set eyes upon her before the previous night being taken into consideration. “Lor, Sir!” ‘“I scorn to flatter, my dear ma’am,” said Tom Smart. “You deserve a very admirable husband, and whoever he is, he’ll be a very lucky man.” As Tom said this, his eye involuntarily wandered from the widow’s face to the comfort around him. ‘The widow looked more puzzled than ever, and made an effort to rise. Tom gently pressed her hand, as if to detain her, and she kept her seat. Widows, gentlemen, are not usually timorous, as my uncle used to say. ‘“I am sure I am very much obliged to you, Sir, for your good opinion,” said the buxom landlady, half laughing; “and if ever I marry again--” ’”_If_,” said Tom Smart, looking very shrewdly out of the right-hand corner of his left eye. “_If_--” “Well,” said the widow, laughing outright this time, “_when _I do, I hope I shall have as good a husband as you describe.” ‘“Jinkins, to wit,” said Tom. ‘“Lor, sir!” exclaimed the widow. ‘“Oh, don’t tell me,” said Tom, “I know him.” ‘“I am sure nobody who knows him, knows anything bad of him,” said the widow, bridling up at the mysterious air with which Tom had spoken. ‘“Hem!” said Tom Smart.