V.—Oh, yes, sir! Certainly!
P.—As happy as the one just past?
V.—Oh! Far, far more so!
P.—As happy as the one before that?
V.—Far, far more.
P.—As happy as which other one, then? Wouldn't you be glad to have the coming year the same as any one of the recent years?
V.—No, sir. No. That would hardly please me.
P.—How long have you been selling almanacs?
V.—For twenty years, sir.
P.—Which of those twenty years would you prefer the new year to resemble?