As the course of this narrative requires that we should become acquainted with a few particulars connected with the domestic economy of Mr Headstone's landlady, Mrs Raddle, and, as a more convenient occasion than the present is not likely to occur for that purpose, we shall take this opportunity to return with the reader to London. If the tree that fell upon Mr Headstone killed him, then our continued presence at the scene of the accident can serve no useful purpose other than to promote feelings of melancholy. If he has survived by the agency of divine intervention or the operation of fool's luck, then we will learn of it presently.
In his haste to inform his acquaintances of his departure for the country, Mr Headstone had forgotten to extend the same courtesy to his landlady. Not being apprised of her tenant's absence until the third of the month (on which date it was customary for her to make pecuniary demands of those who resided under her roof), Mrs Raddle was struck with mortification on the discovery that the pedagogue's rooms had been vacated and that no instructions had been left for the settlement of the rent. In an act of public spiritedness which is to be admired, Mrs Raddle put on her bonnet and at once set out for Bevis Marks for the offices of Mr Sampson Brass, attorney at law, to report the disappearance of Mr Headstone and to make whatever claim for the restitution of her loss that the law of the land would permit.
Mr Charles Dickens
