The Henson Journals

[127]

Friday, April 4nd, 1919.

At last a genuine spring day, bright sun and gentle air. I walked in the garden with Reichel after breakfast, & counted the rooks' nests. There are now 21 distributed over 3 trees in the proportions 15, 4, 2. I shewed R. the entries in my journal relating to the controversies of January 1918, and also Headlam's article in the CQ. He had been among those who understood "ex animo" as = literally, and not, as I must needs maintain as = sincerely: but he declared himself satisfied on the point.

I confirmed 16 boys from the Cathedral school and 2 men from Kimbolton, and, after lunch, motored with Ernest to Stoke Bliss, and there consecrated an addition to the Churchyard. The little church is beautifully situated. It contains a carved pulpit and reading desk of 1635. The parson, Watson, has come from Brixton. Before leaving the church I gave a short address which seemed to please the clergy, of whom four had come to the function. The drive back to Hereford was illustrated with very noble prospects. Wynne–Willson came to do the letters. He said that he had received news of his mother's death. Lilley came to see me. Mary Webb, Penelope's sister, arrived for a short visit. I wrote a number of letters before going to bed, and thus ended another busy & futile day. There is clearly no prospect of any other work then this gipsy business of confirmations until Easter has come & gone.

---