It is an unfortunate and iniquitous fact of life that it is easier for a gentleman to divest himself of a fortune than acquire one, and the universal operation of this principle is inclined to make pockets lighter rather than heavier. Having rashly invested his modest wealth in the United Metropolitan Improved Hot Muffin and Crumpet Baking and Punctual Delivery Company and lost it all on the inauguration of the same, Mr Headstone found that the receptacles of his trousers - conveniently provided by his tailor for the stowage of ready cash - were relieved of carrying any burden greater than a small quantity of lint.
Looking around for some means of placing himself at a pecuniary advantage to society in general without the necessity of exerting himself to any great degree, Mr Headstone determined to remain at his lodgings for several days in the expectation that a letter might arrive at any moment from the country with news of an inheritance. Had the pedagogue been tied by blood to any personages of wealth, who were either in their dotage or of a frail disposition, this strategem would have been applauded as an eminently sensible one. However, as no letters were delivered (with the exception of a few outstanding bills, which went into the fire), the pedgogue was at last obliged to go abroad, and - like Dick Whittington - seek his fortune in the streets of London. Recalling the story of that famous gentleman, the pedagogue was reminded of the fact that his rise to great office and wealth had been materially assisted by a cat. Reasoning that a feline companion might be an advantage in acquiring a situation, Mr Headstone took hold of a very fat and very heavy tom that he encountered on the stairs, stuffed it into a hessian sack, and betook himself to the streets, and mingled with the crowd which thronged them.
Mr Charles Dickens
