How Sad News May Be Tempered By Good Fortune

It is not an uncommon occurrence for an individual’s good luck to derive directly from the misfortune of another. So it was that Mr. Headstone, only lately recovered from a concussion sustained at Mr. George’s Shooting Gallery, one morning received a letter advising him of the death of a distant relative in the north of the country. Though the gentleman in question had been clearly disadvantaged by this alteration in his condition, the news that Mr. Headstone was to be the recipient of a large inheritance could only be construed by the pedagogue as an improvement in his own circumstances. The letter, which was signed by a Mr. Bounderby of Coketown, instructed Mr. Headstone to present himself at the town’s bank at his earliest convenience, at which time he would be presented with a cash sum of no inconsiderable amount, as was the wish of his dearly departed relative. Mr. Headstone packed a bag and set off for Snow Hill with the intention of taking the next available coach north, where we will be obliged to follow him.