He took the letter from the postman, and as he looked at the envelope, I saw him give a start of surprise.

His face was as white as death when he opened it, and he had no sooner glanced at it than he gave a sort of stagger, and if it hadn't been for the verandah-rail I believe he'd have fallen.

He was so taken aback that I thought he was going to faint.

I was standing where you may be now, and I called out to him to know whether I could do anything for him.

I liked the man, you see, and pitied him for his loneliness.