"What is that?" asked the widow.
"I have a friend who dearly loves a young lady, and has loved her all his life; but he is supposed to be poor."
"Well, what of that?" said the widow.
"He has not obtained her parent's consent to their marriage," said Tom.
"Is your friend a worthy man—a clever fellow?" asked the widow.
"He is, indeed," said Tom. "I know of but one man who is his equal in all noble qualities."
"Who is that?" asked the widow.
"Toney Belton," said Tom.
"If your friend is like Toney Belton, he is good enough to marry an emperor's daughter," said the widow.
"But the young lady's parent—her mother—may not consent on account of his poverty," said Tom.