The Henson Journals

[58]

Friday, July 11th, 1919.

I wasted the morning in Convocation at Westminster. Harold Henson turned up at the Hotel in good time to take my luggage to Paddington. Ella joined me at the Athenaeum, and we walked to the Palace for the King's Garden Party. The day was brilliantly fine, & the well–dressed crowd made a brave show in the garden. I conversed with a good many people, among the rest with Lords Haldane, Crewe, and Durham, and Lady Frances Balfour. They agree in thinking that something substantial was effected in amending the Enabling Bill, but they also agree in thinking that their episcopal allies cut a poor show. Haldane, indeed, spoke highly of the Bishop of Manchester's speech. Leaving Ella in the care of the Bishop–designate of Oxford, I went to Paddington, & took the express to Bristol. A young soldier relieved the tedium of the journey by his conversation. He gave me his name and address – Percival H. Hall, Avondale, Pearl St., Bristol. I motored to the Deanery at Bristol, where I found both the Dean & the Bishop expecting me. We had much talk on affairs ecclesiastical before going to bed. I cannot make up my mind about either of these good men. Would they stand in at a difficult fight?

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