If our affections be tried, our affections are our consolation and comfort; and memory, however sad, is the best and purest link between this world and a better.
 Charles Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby (1839). copy citation

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Author Charles Dickens
Source Nicholas Nickleby
Topic comfort memory
Date 1839
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/967/967-h/967-h.htm

Context

“‘Possibly you are correct in that belief,’ said the grey-haired gentleman after a short reflection. ‘I am inclined to think you are.’
‘Why, then,’ replied the other, ‘the good in this state of existence preponderates over the bad, let miscalled philosophers tell us what they will. If our affections be tried, our affections are our consolation and comfort; and memory, however sad, is the best and purest link between this world and a better. But come! I’ll tell you a story of another kind.’
After a very brief silence, the merry-faced gentleman sent round the punch, and glancing slyly at the fastidious lady, who seemed desperately apprehensive that he was going to relate something improper, began
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