The correct answer for Blank (i) is A. consummate urbanity and for Blank (ii) is D. modicum of civility.

Here is the breakdown:

The word "Ironically" at the beginning of the sentence sets up a contrast. The author's novels depict characters who are highly sophisticated, but the author's real-life behavior is the opposite.
- Blank (i): This blank needs to describe the characters in the novels. The phrase "consummate urbanity" means a polished, refined, and socially graceful manner. This contrasts sharply with the "exploits that suggested" the author lacked basic social graces.
- B. piercing intellect and C. unmitigated temerity do not fit this context of social behavior.
- Blank (ii): The second blank must describe what the author's "exploits" showed he lacked. The word "not even a" suggests a complete absence of something. The logical contrast to the characters' urbanity is a basic level of politeness or good behavior. A modicum of civility means a small amount of politeness.
- E. semblance of normalcy (an appearance of being normal) is not the most direct contrast to urbanity.
- F. trace of wherewithal (the money or means to do something) is not related to the social behavior described.

Therefore, the completed sentence is: "Ironically, for someone whose novels were populated with characters typically marked by a consummate urbanity, the author himself made tabloid news with exploits that suggested not even a modicum of civility."