The Henson Journals

[32]

Monday, December 30th, 1918.

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I went to a hair–dresser, & had my hair cut. Then I walked out to "The Orchard", and called on Dicey, who received me with much kindness, & talked with great volubility on many subjects. He was evidently pleased with the result of the General Election, and had no sympathy with Asquith in his defeat. Herein he seemed to shew himself lacking in generosity. I returned to All Souls for lunch, after which we took our departure. After changing at Reading, & waiting there for nearly an hour, we got to Gloucester, arriving about ½ an hour after time.We were kindly received by the Gees at the Bell Inn, where they are still living as the Deanery is not yet ready for their occupation.The Bell Hotel has a certain interest, for it once numbered George Whitfield among its waiters! It is now a large hostelry of the familiar commercial type. A note from the Bishop was awaiting me. It contained an invitation to dinner. In these days no notion of conviviality, hardly a suggestion of hospitality, attaches to an episcopal entertainment. There is no wine, & the company consists of diocesan officials and holy women of one sort or another!

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