The Henson Journals

[6]

Wednesday, April 24th, 1918.

1360th day

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There was a thick mist before 10 a.m., and after 6 p.m., but the rest of the day was fine, & much warmer. Lord Zetland went away soon after breakfast. I wrote letters until midday, when I strolled with mine hostess until lunch–time. We motored into Durham for the function of the conferring of the Freedom of the City. There seemed to be a full gathering of the civic fathers, but the Town Hall was barely half–full. No attempt had been made to interest the public. Addresses were read of the usual type – verbose & fatuous. I spoke briefly & very badly. Gee was longer & far happier. Lord Durham made a short speech. Then some medals were distributed in the market–place: & I came away to have tea with the Bishop of Jarrow. Afterwards I called on Bayley, Dennett, & the Precentor. Mrs Culley walked with me to the station. I said that I would henceforward call her "Flora" to remind myself of her garden! Then I returned to Chester–le–Street, & walked to Lumley. Lady L. & I dined together very pleasantly, and talked a great deal, mainly about persons &, perhaps, not very charitably. She knows a vast deal of a world into which I have but peeped from over the wall: and I strengthen myself against the blunders of sheer ignorance by listening to her conversation. She has considerable experience of many kinds of war–work, and her judgment is sound on most practical matters. Nor does her severe & cynical speech give any trustworthy indication of her real mind, which is essentially kind.

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