The Henson Journals

[447]

Friday, October 15th, 1915.

438th day

The later reports of Wednesday's air–raid shew that it was far more deadly than had been supposed. The list of casualties now amounts to 56 killed & 115 wounded, besides a great destruction of property.

After breakfast I talked awhile with mine hostess, & then went with Ella to S. Margaret's, Westminster, where I baptized Rex Alan Henry Knowling. Sir Henry & Lady Graham were present; & the little service was very solemn. I was the boy's God–father, having as my colleague Lord Northampton. Sir Henry acted as proxy for us both. We returned to Elvaston Place for lunch. Mr Norman, an antiquary, who has made a study of the London churches was there, and Mrs Malat. We left for Durham by the 5.30 p.m. express, and arrived home about 11.30 p.m. Caröe joined us on the station at King's Cross, & we travelled very comfortably in a first class compartment. As usual the train was full of soldiers. I solaced the journey by reading "The Old Yellow Book" on which Browning framed his great poem "The King & the Book".

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