two in the morning
`` Schopenhauer 's arguments against suicide are not valid , that you admit , therefore it is impossible for the pessimist to justify his continued existence . '' `` Pardon me , the diffusion of the principle of sufficient reason can alone end this world , and we are justified in living in order that by example and precept we may dissuade others from the creation of life . The incomparable stupidity of life teaches us to love our parents -- divine philosophy teaches us to forgive them . '' That evening Mike played numerous games of backgammon with Mrs. Norton ; talked till two in the morning to John of literature , and deplored the burning of the poems , and besought him to write them again , and to submit them , if need be , to a bishop . He worked hard to obliterate the effect of his foolish confidences ; for he was very happy in this large country house , full of unexpected impressions for him . On the wide staircases he stopped , tense with sensations of space , order , and ample life . He was impressed by the timely meals , conducted by well-trained servants ; and he found it pleasant to pass from the house into the richly-planted garden , and to see the coachman washing the carriage , the groom scraping out the horse 's hooves , the horse tied to the high wall , the cowman stumping about the rick-yard -- indeed all the homely work always in progress .