This quote offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexity and perhaps the multiplicity of identity. The image of someone keeping spare faces suggests a person who might wear different masks or personas depending on the situation, highlighting themes of deception, adaptability, or inner conflict. The shrug and humble 'aw-shucks' gesture contrast sharply with the idea of readily producing a grin from these 'spare faces,' indicating a layered or multi-faceted personality that isn't entirely genuine, or perhaps a performer who can switch between different versions of themselves with ease.

In literature, such imagery often symbolizes a character's ability to present different facets of their identity to the world—a survival mechanism, a means of hiding true feelings, or even a playful deceit. The act of keeping 'spare faces' can be interpreted as holding onto multiple selves, each with its own purpose or concealed truth. This ongoing tension between outward appearances and inner reality reminds us of the fluidity of identity and the masks people wear in everyday life.

The quote's context from 'The Jennifer Morgue' hints at a world where characters may have secrets, hidden agendas, or altered personas that serve larger narrative or thematic roles. It prompts readers to think about authenticity and the masks we all wear—whether to protect ourselves, manipulate perceptions, or simply adapt to societal expectations. Ultimately, this character's whimsical yet unsettling behavior echoes broader questions about the nature of selfhood, the truth behind appearances, and the sometimes theatrical nature of human interaction.