The Henson Journals

[205]

Thursday, September 13th, 1923.

A wet morning, infinitely gloomy. Our American guests went away after an early breakfast , (which, to my chagrin, hindered our prayers in chapel), and their departure induced a great sense of peace! Why is it that the voice, phrase, manner, and carriage of American women are so disturbing? The Bishop is very superior to his women–kind, a circumstance said to be common in legal and ecclesiastical spheres, where men often rise into power or prominence from obscure & limited situations, and carry into life the refining & educating influences of their profession; but where their wives perpetuate the crudities of their original ? In all this, I suspect that little justice is done to the self–sacrifice and even ^ to the hard work of the gentler sex.

Ella, Darling & his daughter and I motored into Durham. We visited the Castle, and were shown round: then we went to the Cathedral, and made a rapid circuit. We lunched at the Deanery, and then Mead Falkner showed my guests the treasures of the Chapter Library, while I transacted business with Wilson. I went to Andrews, & ordered a supply of stationary. Then we motored back in time for tea at the Castle.

I walked for an hour with Darling in the Park before dinner. He talked most interestingly all the time. His talk would have deserved record, but I cannot recall it!

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