The Henson Journals

[21]

Thursday, April 30th, 1925.

I packed my bags, & had them carried across to the Athenaeum. After breakfast, I walked to Dean's Yard, and called on de Candole, with whom I found Carnegie. It appears that the Socialist Canon, Donaldson, finds it hard to make both ends meet, & is pressing for some juggling with the Abbey funds which would bring relief! I said that it seemed to me in the highest degree improbable that there was any legal power in the Chapter to take over the payment of rates & dilapidations which is now made by the Canons personally. I lunched at the Athenaeum, & then walked again to Dean's Yard to attend a meeting of the Q.A.B. governors. Frere was there. I passed him a note in these words:– "I understand you propose to invade the patrimonium S. Cuthbert & proclaim the banner of Anglo–Catholic revolt against S. Cuthbert's servant & successor". He replied by the inquiry 'Is Stockton yours?', & when I nodded an affirmative he wrote "Then I am in mercy! I got Ebor's sanction for going to Middlesbro' & thought that Stockton was in the same boat: but I do not recognize your description of my task!" Finally, he said that he would cancel his engagement. I walked back to the Athenaeum & had tea. Then I went to King's Cross, & caught the 5.30 express to Darlington.