September 5 + 

… I was so ashamed of having to fall back upon such ignominious publications for my literary efforts that on presenting him with two copies, I told the following lie to save my face: + 

“They were two essays of mine left over at the beginning of the War, you know. My usual channel became blocked so I had to have recourse to these.” + 

“Where do you publish as a rule?” he innocently asked. + 

“Oh! several in the Manchester Guardian,” I told him out of vanity. “But of course every respectable journal now has closed down to extra-war topics.” + 

I lie out of vanity. And then I confess to lying⁠—out of vanity too. So that one way or another I am determined to make kudos out of myself. Even this last reflection is written down with an excessive appreciation of its wit and the intention that it shall raise a smile. + 