to tug at one's heartstrings

The rain was pelting and rattling upon the leathern top of the carriage, and the wheels swashed as they rolled through puddle and mud.

She had to chew up the food for him because his teeth are too small.

Elbows almost touching they leaned at ease, idly reading the almost obliterated lines engraved there. ¶ I never understood it, she observed, lightly scornful. What occult meaning has a sun-dial for the spooney? I'm sure I don't want to read riddles in a strange gentleman's optics.