till the cows come home

"he thought how pleasant it would be to have a warm fire to sit by and a good dinner to sit down to. he had walked the streets long enough with friends and with girls.
[...]
experience had embittered his heart against the world. but all hope had not left him.
[...]
he might yet be able to settle down in some snug corner and live happily [...] ."

james joyce, 'dubliners'