The Henson Journals

[218]

Tuesday July 23rd, 1929.

[symbol]

I received from Edwin a letter acknowledging my cheque of terms of much gratitude. He addresses "My dear father in Christ", a form which is both unusual and disconcerting. Were he a clergyman, I should infer that he was a lawless Anglo–Catholic but, as he is a retired Navy man, I suppose it must be taken to indicate something sincere.

Merryweather from Pelton lunched here, & discussed his parish. I counselled hin to avoid making hasty decisions before he had given himself time to learn the conditions of parochial life.

In the afternoon, Pears and I motored to Finchale Priory. He showed me the ruins, & explained everything in an interesting manner. I was much impressed by the foreman, Wright, a fine specimen of an intelligent artisan.

Sir Arthur & Lady Steele–Maitland came to dine & stay the night. They were on their way to Scotland. Kenneth also dined. He is painfully shy, & went off rather early before we "joined the ladies".

The fine weather appears to have returned & brought back the menace of drought.

---