Saw with a start in the paper that I got four firsts [in Ireland] in my exams: Latin, History, German, Music. There was a great puff about it in the paper, which I read in the train on our way to Bandon to meet Father Pat. But it transpired that another fellow, before unmentioned, tied with me for first place in history. Then again the next day, Dr. Scannell advertised the schools’ success and gave my place as second in Latin. ((This student actually came second, but as he did his Latin paper through Irish, he got a 10% bonus, thereby getting ahead of Fleischmann.)) So the laurels are rapidly being plucked away – not that they are worth nothing anyhow. For I know well myself what an old fraud first in Ireland is, and that it means only a bit of work. Got several nice letters of congrats. We had a fine picnic at Reanie´s Glen with Fr. Pat on before-mentioned day. We saw a dead seal on the beach and gazed with great interest on his flat dog-like head with snout and whiskers, his fat body and smooth fur, his small legs, if they might be called so, and his fan-like flappers.
I simply devoured ‘The Forerunner’ for the most part of the day. It is entrancing, so rich and full of colour.
Páp came from Horgans´ to tell me Ivor was staying alone at Lacaduv and wished me to come to him, so Dr. Scannell, who came accidentally, drove me there very late. Heard some good music on Sunday, Beethoven and Mozart Concertos and No 5 Symphony in C minor. Went home late to find Fr. Frank McCarthy recounting holiday experiences.
