“You speak truly, sir,” said Mr. Pickwick.

“How common the saying,” continued the dismal man, “ ‘The morning’s too fine to last.’ How well might it be applied to our everyday existence. God! what would I forfeit to have the days of my childhood restored, or to be able to forget them forever!”

“You have seen much trouble, sir,” said Mr. Pickwick compassionately.

“I have,” said the dismal man hurriedly; “I have. More than those who see me now would believe possible.” He paused for an instant, and then said abruptly⁠—

“Did it ever strike you, on such a morning as this, that drowning would be happiness and peace?”