The Henson Journals

[291]

Sunday after Ascension, May 16th, 1926.

The days since the operation have been very hard to live through. At first, it seemed to me, that I was in a state of semi–delirium. Always I was in a car racing along between rows of watching miners. At night especially my misery was great. [Ella came to see me, & bought me flowers, but the darling's deafness made conversation very exhausting.] Jimmie Dobbie came, but he smelt of tobacco, & I got rid of him quickly! On Saturday, old Sir David Drummond had half an hour's talk – a delightful old man.

[292] [symbol]

After a sleepless & troubled night, I felt tired out before the day began. But I am assured that I am making good progress to recovery; so I must hold on. Dr Drummond spoke of his experiences in France. He said "I went out as C.O.E: & came back as Presbyterian". I asked the reason. He replied that when he first was in France his Hospital was served by 2 chaplains, C.O.E & Presbyterian. They were good men, & worked heartily together. Their combined services were well attended; but then there was a change: the C.O.E. chaplain was replaced by a younger man of a different spirit. He broke up the united service: wd have no dealings with Presbyterians with the result that nobody at all went to his orthodox services, while about 130 held on to the Presbyterian. I enquired further whether he had ever had any heart–to–heart talk with the youth on the matter: & he replied that he had, but found him hopeless. He took high ground & cd not be reasoned with. This was an experience which, I fear, was but too common in the case of our Chaplains. Lionel & the Bishop of Newcastle came to see me during the afternoon. The latter told me that he had himself had his appendix removed: & was in the nursing home when the offer of the Bpk. of Newcastle was made to him. That was early in Sept: & he was consecrated on Nov: 30.

---