The Henson Journals

[91]

Wednesday, July 17th, 1918.

1444th day

We finished reading the account of Dr Arnold in Mr Strachey's "Eminent Victorians". The genius for belittlement which marks this writer's work is more apparent here than in the other biographical sketches. He never even attempts to place Arnold in his temporal "setting", and his suggestions everywhere imply the application of the standards of 1918 to a career which had ended before the first half of the last century had run out. I called successively on Lilley, and James, with respect to divers business matters, mostly unpleasing. Compston has accepted Bredwardine. I hope this will turn out well.

A long & hysterical letter from the female churchwarden rather suggests trouble in that quarter. I motored to Dew church, and there confirmed 14 candidates. The Vicar, Llewelyn Davies, bears no good reputation. Bickering with his parishioners, & the non–payment of his debts, are alleged against him. He is an unimpressive little man, speaking indistinctly for lack of front teeth, & seeming to make apology for his own existence. We called on Admiral Bosanquet, and Mrs Cuthbert. I received a telegram from George Nimmins, saying that he had reached home, but had to go off again on Saturday. So there is little probability of my seeing him.

The news from France continues to be good. Indeed there seems to be reason for thinking that the German offensive has already been brought to a standstill. The Americans have fought admirably. It is reported tonight that Quentin Roosevelt, the ex–President's youngest son has been killed at the front.

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