The Henson Journals

[101]

Wednesday, December 3rd, 1924.

I left the castle at 8 a.m., & motored to Darlington, where I took train for London. On arrival I went to the Athenaeum, & then to the hairdresser. I walked to Westminster, and took the oath in the House of Lords. The speaker came to the bar of the House, & announced his election, which was confirmed by the Commissioners. A quaint ceremony which I was glad to witness. The Bishop of Hereford took his seat, being presented by the Bishops of Worcester and Bristol. I had tea with Nickson at the House & then went for a few minutes into the House of Commons, where the members were taking the oath in batches, as they were called up by the Speaker. I walked to the Athenaeum, & had some talk with Sidney Lee about his life of Edward vii, which is nearing completion. He submits his proofs to His Majesty and Asquith. Charles was in the Club. He expressed himself with some energy about the new canon (Donaldson) who appears to combine extreme Socialist opinions with a vehement insistence on what he supposes to be his claims! Then I made my way to St Paul's Deanery, where I was being entertained. Kitty and Ralph received me with the utmost kindness, and I dined pleasantly with them, going to bed early, as I was rather unusually fatigued.

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