The Henson Journals

[98]

Thursday, June 21st, 1928.

Lionel accompanied me to the station at Darlington where I caught the early train to King's Cross, and travelled comfortably enough. After leaving my bags in Park Lane, I walked to the hairdresser & was only trimmed. Then I went to Sackville Street, and ordered a new suit of clothes. I walked to Westminster, and went to the House of Lords, which was just dispersing. I saw Lord Salisbury for a minute: gave in my notice about Durham Castle for Tuesday, the 3rd. July: walked with Lords Phillimore & Darling, and wrote to Ella. Mr Farrer, one of the officials, as I suppose, spoke to me about Bishop Tunstall, who, he said, was his ancestor. He said that he had some prints which he wd. like me to see. I told him to lay hold of me when I next came into the House. Then, as I left the House, I fell in with the Charnwoods. I called at the Deanery, Westminster, and had tea and talk with the Dean and Mrs Norris. Then I walked to the Athenaeum, where I talked with Lord Sumner, and Archie Fleming, who took me off to dine with his wife & family. I walked back to Park Lane.

[99]

Lord Wolmer sends me a pamphlet that he has written about the Church of Scotland, which he accompanies with a letter. In it he offers amends for the very insulting language which he used about me when I was first nominated to a bishoprick:–

"In sending you this pamphlet, may I repeat with what admiration I have followed your attitude on the Prayer Book question. I feel greatly ashamed of every having doubted that you would not fail the Church in the hour of crisis. I must humbly ask your forgiveness in that respect and in others."

That is generous language, & must have cost him some sacrifice of pride to write.

Lord Davenport hastened across the House of Lords to speak to me. I thought he had something urgent to say, but it was only to ask me not to refuse the Archbishoprick of York!!! "Wait till she asks you, Sir, she said!" was my inevitable reply. What an ass the man is! Lady Charnwood started on the same tack, then she is, like Voltaire's Abbakuk, 'capable de tout'!