The Henson Journals

[69]

Wednesday, October 1st, 1930.

My morning was again devoted to Virgil: but I made no progress. It was not so much the lack of material that hinders me as the difficulty of constructing a post–prandial speech, which shall both match the mood of a Dining company, and be not wholly unworthy of the theme. I must not speak otherwise than is fitting in the Visitor of the University.

After lunch Charles drove me into Durham in his little car. But my main purpose was defeated for the Bishop of Jarrow, whom I desired to see was not at home.

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Mr and Mrs Murray Smith called, and had tea. Scarcely had they departed before old Bishop Talbot & his wife arrived on a visit, for which They had proposed Themselves. He is 86, very infirm & halting on his leg, withal very deaf. She, poor lady, is stone deaf. Conversation is a noisy & futile affair.

Charles and I motored to Darlington, where I instituted the Rev. J.C.R.C. Coen to the perpetual curacy of S. James, Darlington, from which the Socialist Gobat has retired.

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