29 July 1940 – 4 August 1940

Complete silence surrounds that book. It might have sailed into the blue and been lost. “One of our books did not return” as the B.B.C. puts it. No review by Morgan: no review at all. No letter. And though I suspect Morgan has refused, finding it unpalatable, still I remain—yes, honestly—quiet minded and prepared to face a complete, lasting silence.

Just time, while Judith and Leslie* finish their game, to record on a great relief —Desmond’s review really says all I wanted said. The book delights friends and the younger generation say Yes, yes, we know him: and it’s not only delightful but important. That’s enough. And it gave me a very calm rewarded feeling—not the old triumph, as over a novel, but the feeling I’ve done what was asked of me, given my friends what they wanted. Just as I’d decided I’d given them nothing but the materials for a book I hadn’t written. Now I can be content: needn’t worry what people think: for Desmond is a good bell-ringer; and will start the others—I mean, the talk among intimates will follow, more or less, his lines. Herbert Read and Maccoll have bit their hardest; put their case; now only Morgan remains, and perhaps a personal dart from W. Lewis.