The Henson Journals

[12]

Monday, January 1st, 1906.

I went to S. Margaret's and celebrated the Holy Communion at 8 a.m. There were 15 communicants including Albert and Harold. But my wife was not there, being confined to her room with neuralgia and cold – an ill promise for the year. Welldon came to see me with respect to the constitutional crisis.

After writing a few letters I walked to the City along the Embankment in the teeth of a biting wind, and changed a cheque. On my return, Harold brought me a ludicrous specimen of local penny–a–lining, which he thought splendid! The Rector of S. Margaret's was described as a miraculous blend of the Archangel–Boanerges–Adonis!! The last especially comic. It served to amuse my wife.

Lady Frances Balfour wrote to me from Whittinghame in a strain of intimacy & friendship, which – as I like her – pleased me: she wanted information on a historical reference, which I was able to give her. It was an allusion to the Salter's Hall Controversy in 1719. Geordie & a relative of hers came to entertain the choir boys, who had failed to appear. They stayed to dinner. Later appeared Gerald, with a huge box of toys: he stayed the night. My Father–in–law also dined. I wrote to Carissima in the course of the day.

Thus started the New Year. "Show Thou me the way that I should walk in, for I lift up my soul unto Thee."

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