Of Mr Headstone's many acquaintances, none was more gratified by his return to society than his landlady, who was most prompt in her attendance on that gentleman in order to express her satisfaction at his release from Newgate prison and to remind him of his financial obligations with regard to the settlement of a little bill pertaining to his rent. Mrs Raddle, having announced herself in her customary fashion by throwing open the door of the pedagogue's rooms and standing on the threshold with her arms akimbo, showed no signs of relinquishing her position, and by the crossing of her arms and the inclination of her head gave notice that she was not to be dislodged from the spot until the transference of the aforementioned funds had been affected.
It was unfortunate that at the very moment of his landlady's appearance, Mr Headstone had been counting out the twenty pound notes he had received from Mr Brownlow (won fair and square during a number of drinking games at The Saracen's Head), and so he was unable to resort to his frequent plea of financial embarrassment. The lady took what was her due and departed, leaving the gentleman a little sadder, and perhaps a little wiser.
Mr Charles Dickens
