The Henson Journals

[192]

Saturday, October 6th, 1917.

1160th day

I wrote to Dicey before breakfast. Ernest went off to Manchester. I attended Mattins, & wrote to Lord Portsmouth. Then I presided over a meeting of Chapter, at which Lady Londonderry's offer to present a Processional Cross was accepted. Old Victor Williamson brought two military friends to the Cathedral, & lunch. Ella acted as guide, as I was too busy. At 2.30 p.m. I attended a meeting of the Ruri–decanal Conference, & addressed the members on the Archbishops' Committee's Report on "Church & State". There was an interesting discussion in which Bothamley distinguished himself! Finally they came to an unanimous vote deprecating action during the War. I walked with Ella, & then wrote letters to Lady Londonderry and to Frank Pember. The "Times" announces the death of Edward Pember, aged 19, flying in France. It is a lamentable occurrence. I baptized the boy, & was hoping to get a better knowledge of him. And now he too is gone, & his father has no son left. "What is good for a bootless bene?"

Lady Charnwood arrived about tea–time. After an early dinner Ella and I went to St Margaret's Institute, where I was pledged to preside at a magic–lantern lecture given by Byron–Dolphin on his experiences in Belgium. The lecture was too long – more than two hours – and the slides were rather monotonous, but Byron–Dolphin is a fluent speaker, and he had many stirring experiences to relate. We got back to the Deanery about 10.30 p.m.

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