Page 338 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1927

Court. Shaikh Sulman had a heavy cold. Interviewed the husband in the Jabara case & then the father of the girl. Neither of
them will budge an inch. The husband said he had married her & it was as if he had bought goods in the market - he paid (the
dowry) & he expected the goods to be delivered to him. He complained that it was causing him much annoyance as the
publicity had annoyed his other wives who now threaten to divorce him if he lets himself be beaten in the case. He seemed a
decent fellow, quite good looking & youngish. Planted a lot of seeds in the garden before tea, it is quite cool now & much
damper so I hope they will grow alright. The Spences came in & played Bridge after tea. Dined at the Hakkens, rather a
messy meal. Mission parties are deadly as they never play Bridge, merely sit & converse.

Friday [2 December]

Went a walk in the morning, up to the palace & round by the wireless. Holmes came to call, he had seen de Grenier in
England the day he left. de G has not married, he was unwise in telling all the Arabs that he intended to bring back a wife, they
will think that he could not collect a dowry. They all enquire constantly whether he has married or not. Finished off a
painting, sea sunset & boats. Tennis at Agency, very windy day. Bridge afterwards.

Saturday [3 December]