An office row with a female opponent:'I have always idealised women and wished them a greater share in the direction of the world, but the sight of them actually at work has been very disillusioning; they have neither balance nor generosity. If ever I take up novel writing again it will be where I left it at The Longest Journey - well, I suppose I did take it up there in Maurice'; cultural developments in Alexandria; fears returning to 'the England that is and that will be.'