The Henson Journals

[227]

Thursday, May 27th, 1915.

297th day

I brought the lecture to a conclusion, but find myself more than ever disgusted with it. Bayley lunched here, & afterwards assisted me & the Treasurer & Hughes in transferring the treasures from my cellar to the strong room at the Lodge. They were shewing evidences of damp. Then Newby arrived to instruct us more accurately in the fire–extinguishing arrangements. We went through the series of water–points, & strove to remember the instructions for their use, but, I fear, we should make a sad muddle of things if the pinch of a sudden trial came upon us. Meanwhile, to hearten us up a little, a fresh German raid is announced. Zeppelins have bombarded Southend, and killed two women & a child! Hardly heroic warfare. After dinner I read the "Magna Carta" lecture to my wife, who expressed approval & interest, but this seemed more creditable to her generosity than to her faculty of judgment! I liked it less than before.

---