Un buen día, este magnánimo anciano se vio gratamente sorprendido al recibir la siguiente carta:—
Charles Goodfellow, Esq. , Rattleborough. From H. , F. , B. , & Co. Chat. Mar. A— No. 1.—6 doz. bottles (½ Gross).
“Charles Goodfellow, Esquire.
“ Dear Sir —In conformity with an order transmitted to our firm about two months since, by our esteemed correspondent, Mr. Barnabus Shuttleworthy, we have the honor of forwarding this morning, to your address, a double box of Château Margaux of the antelope brand, violet seal. Box numbered and marked as per margin.
“We remain, sir,
“Your most ob’nt ser’ts,
“Hoggs, Frogs, Bogs, & Co.
“City of ⸻, June 21, 18—.
“ P.S. —The box will reach you, by wagon, on the day after your receipt of this letter. Our respects to Mr. Shuttleworthy.
“ H. , F. , B. , & Co. ”
El caso es que el señor Goodfellow, desde la muerte del señor Shuttleworthy, había abandonado toda esperanza de recibir jamás el