The Henson Journals

[67]

Thursday, December 6th, 1917.

1221st day

I received the Holy Communion in S. Gregory's Chapel at 8 a.m.: and attended Mattins. Then I answered a telegram from the editor of the Yorkshire Post inquiring about reports as to the Hereford vacancy. "Have no information whatever on the subject". Later in the day I returned the same answer to the Editor of the "Hereford Times", who telegraphed a request that I would either "deny or confirm" the "strong rumours" in Hereford that I had "accepted Bishoprick of Hereford"!!! It is really getting beyond a joke. I spent the morning in tidying my room, and paying bills. Sykes came to lunch, and afterwards we both attended a meeting of the "Church Defence & Church Instruction" Committee. Lady Londonderry was there, and had some gossip afterwards.

After tea I read through the typed copy of so much of the "Life" as is now written. I was interrupted by the arrival of a reporter with fresh inquiries about Hereford, and he was not very easy to satisfy. Later came Reeve with the same question, which had been asked on the telephone. It is an odious situation for, while I know nothing to authorize expectation, and cannot think it probable that any Prime Minister would make an appointment which wd so certainly provoke the liveliest resentment in ecclesiastical circles, yet I have heard so much gossip on the matter, that I cannot put it easily aside, &, of course, I know that if the offer were made, "Barkis is willin"!!

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