Page 162 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1927

Saturday 12th [February]

Went down bazaar in the morning to see the Shaikh's property. He proposed to lease a bit of land & 3 amaras for 1000 &
didnt realise the amaras, alone, brought in 750/-! Late for breakfast. The Shaikh brought me a silugi puppy, a real good
one, black with a little brown. Joint Court, also Diving cases & my court. Spence & Kanoo called & stayed an hour & a half
talking, but with no effect as neither would do anything about the Bridge. Kanoo talked in parables - what a sly old man. In
afternoon we went out to the French boat, the Diana, used to be yacht of Mareshal in Morocco. The Shaikh went also to pay
a call, officially. I went with him in his launch also the three sons. Salutes & guards as usual. The others, M, de G, Parke &
the Barretts arrived later in another launch. They expected all the white people but the rest, rather rudely, didnt come. Mrs
Spence was annoyed at not being asked, separately. Rather a swell but didnt mind it. Had a large tea, huge trays of
sandwiches & quite good cakes. There were five officers, all very young & extremely pleasant all talked English of sorts &
insisted on talking English, I wanted to practise French but couldnt get a word in. Very smart & really I thought better looking
altogether than our cruiser officers. Played gramophone looked at photos & M & Mrs B danced, the latter looked deplorable
in an ulster & a petticoat too long for skirt - it showed so when dancing. I much liked the tune, Dubussy L'Apres midi d'un
Faun" on gramophone also Chausky (?) Arab songs which they played. Quite rough coming back. Barrett dawdled & wouldnt