Page 345 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1927

indeed but no rain. Ahmed bin Khamis has rather a nice little house in Senobis with a room overlooking a garden. He had had
a lot of people to lunch. I expect the Parkes were very cross about it.

Wednesday 14th [December]

Ali Tatum, a big merchant & owner of motor garage & launches, died very suddenly. He was Holmes sort of agent & did all
his work for him. Went along with the Dr to call on Holmes intending to go to the funeral but Holmes told us it was over. Had
another meeting about the Shia school & collected about Rs 1000/- from the outside villages. Planted seeds in the garden &
painted in the afternoon, then went to Mespers for Bridge. Everyone wonders very much what Bray is doing here.

Thursday [15 December]

Court. Painted in afternoon & then went up to the garden. People to tea & Bridge, Bray, the Barretts & Spences & Armstrong.
Barrett asked Bray many questions & he replied with evasion! He was with Lawrence in Arabia but has the poorest opinion of
him. Played Bridge, only one four. Afterwards dined at the Agency, quite a dinner party, Parkes & two of the mission