The Henson Journals

[532]

Tuesday, June 27th, , 1916.

694th day

The morning post brought an affectionate letter from Ernest. He is still in camp at Seaford, & not yet well enough for active service: but he writes cheerfully. I attended Mattins, and then spent the time before lunch in shewing Forrest over the Cathedral. Mr Soltau–Simmons, and Major & Mrs Stephenson came to lunch. Then I donned my doctor's robes, and attended the Convocation. The Duke of Northumberland presided as Chancellor, and bestowed degrees of many kinds on a host of young men & women. I was much struck by the plainness of the blue stockings! They would appear to avoid all approached to Venus! Then I walked with Forrest for more than an hour, & then talked with him. He is well read, intelligent, wide–minded & good natured. So far as our conversation disclosed his opinions on matters theological and ecclesiastical, I found myself more completely in agreement with him than with any other clergyman of my acquaintance. Nevertheless, if he had been an Anglican, I doubt whether his easiness of temper would not have carried him into the camp of the majority. He reminded me of a discussion some years ago in Mitford Mitchell's house, when I expressed strongly my belief that Germany was bent on forcing a War on Europe, and when he had strongly opposed my views. He admitted that events had confirmed with woeful emphasis the views I then maintained.

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