The Henson Journals

[275]

Wednesday, December 8th, 1926.

[symbol]

Eric Fuller came to lunch, and discussed the question of his going to South Hylton. Of course, the only obstacle is the inadequacy of the income. However, I undertook that it should be raised to £350, so long as the pension is payable to the former incumbent. I wrote to Wynne–Willson asking him to see how far the Parochial Church Council will "play up".

I walked round the Park with Ernest, and enjoyed the spectacle of a truly wonderful sunset. Also, we fell in with some miners, and had some interesting talk with them.

Lionel & I motored to Houghton–le–Spring, & there I confirmed 85 persons, mostly from the parish. After the service I dined in the Rectory. On arriving at the Castle, I learned that Ernest had received a telegram announcing his mother's death.

I received from James & Maimie Parker–Smith as a Christmas present the charming volume called "Fallodon Papers" which has recently been published by Lord Grey. It is the revelation of a rare spirit – strong, calm, sympathetic, lofty. I was not prepared to find so many evidences of wide reading and large reflected wisdom. On the whole I am inclined to think that he represents the very best type of human kind, but (& this is the pathos of it) the most extravagantly privileged.

Ernest learned by a late telegram that his mother had died suddenly. He hurried off by the midnight train.

---