Saturday 23rd April 1938

Took Pat to the Pictures. Afterwards we drove to Wakering Stairs, and made love (as though nothing had happened!) And it, also, was sweet. I should feel a worm, but somehow I don’t. Must be quite unscrupulous. It must be possible for a man to simultaneously love a girl and a woman. However – my old motto – when in doubt, be impulsive, do the unusual! It gives one a kick out of life!

At the end of Morning Mists I pay tribute to a woman whom few people really know. Aloof, cold seeming, yet deeply, secretly imaginative. Who could suffer a lot and say nothing. And could dream a lot and say nothing. Above all, a woman of very fine character – IRIS.

The hopes we have for tomorrow – die today.
Act quickly; think quickly; speak slowly.