The Henson Journals

[160]

Monday, October 4th, 1920.

Packing is the continuing shadow of the traveller's life: and the war has darkened it by adding the new anxiety as to the fate of one's registered luggage, which the War has created. For a wave of dishonesty is passing over Europe. The disbanded troops retain the habits of "military licence", when they lay aside their weapons: and the poverty in which they find themselves immersed as civilians adds a fresh incentive to dishonesty. Here in Germany the worst accounts are given as to the stealing practised on the railways. One parts with a suit–case in the temper of that pathetic sentiment which invests a farewell which is believed to be final!

We were unfortunate in finding the museums 'geschlossen', and we failed in an attempt to see the cathedral. [Then Angel and Ella dragged me, a reluctant victim, to some beastly vanity–show, (I think it was Wertheimers) where I spent a miserable hour in seeing silly things set out to tempt silly women. After this we picked up Frank at his office, and lunched at Hotel Adlon, where we found General Bingham, who most kindly offered us Saturday's London papers in his room.]

Ella and I went to the Zological Gardens & Aquarium, both of which were excellent. We regretted that we had not time sufficient for seeing them properly. Then we went to the Opera, & witnessed the 'Tales of Hoffman". The music and staging were both very good: but I was most interested in the enormous tragedy implied in the great imperial stall, now bereft of its crown & filled with the general public,where once the Kaiser sate in majesty with his courtiers about him.

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