The Henson Journals

[698]

Monday, April 3rd, 1916.

609th day

Another glorious morning. I watched at close range a thrush absorbing a large worm. It is an elaborate and prolonged performance, infinitely delightful to the bird, rather less so presumably to the victim. Knowling celebrated at 8 a.m. I received the Holy Communion. The paper reports that 16 people were killed in Saturday night's air–raid. Last night's casualty list is not yet announced. A reporter called for yesterday's sermon, but I refused it. The little appendix on Total Abstinence would be a toothsome morsel for the Pot–house keepers & their stalwarts; but I attach more importance to other parts of my discourse which however have no attraction for the journalists! I have frankly wasted this day spending most of it out of doors. The Mayor called on me with a very sheepish, even hang–dog aspect, to make excuse for not having acknowledged my letter. He promised to give me the assurance I asked for so soon as the work at Langley House had been finished. He had much to say in self–excuse, with respect to which I would, & could say nothing. My little letter, headed "Liquor restrictions – a Correction", appeared in the "Times". I worked again at the removal of the ivy–bed from the front garden. After lunch I looked on at the school reports for a short time. I attended Evensong, and wrote to Beeching, sending him a copy of "Robertson". Miss Susie Ramsay arrived on a visit for some days. The school goes down on Wednesday: the 8th Durham L.I. left last Friday. There is now nothing left but the Cadets at Hatfield Hall, & they are under orders to leave shortly. It seems probable that the military service after having continued for 20 months will cease for lack of men.

---