He was always inclined to read a fictitious sombreness into things when the shadows began to creep over the world and it was still too early for a cocktail.
The quote reflects a character who tends to perceive a gloomy atmosphere in situations, especially during moments of transition, such as when daylight fades into evening. This suggests a tendency toward pessimism or a melodramatic outlook, where the character’s mood darkens as shadows lengthen, emphasizing his sensitivity to changes in his environment.
Additionally, the mention of it being "too early for a cocktail" adds a humorous twist, hinting at the character's...