Literary topics came under discussion one evening in a small social
circle, of which the writer made one, and particularly the
autobiographical works, and personal memoirs, now so much in vogue. A
gentleman then stated, that having seen much of the world, he thought he
must follow the fashion, and one day favour it with his own life and
adventures. Numerous ladies were to figure in his book, which was, in
fact, as he modestly gave the present company to understand, to be a
complete chronicle of the flirtations and conquests of himself, and male
allies, with letters, portraits, &c. and _names_ in full. "But,"
remarked a lady, humouring the jest, "if you _do_ render your book so
very personal, are you not afraid of the consequences?"
"Not at all," replied the embryo author very gravely, "for though I
shall enjoy the remarks of the world, upon my _autobiography_, they
cannot affect me, as it will of course be a _posthumous work_."
* * * * *