Page 40 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat
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1926
good newish one. It will be a huge improvement, really its rather hot walking to & fro the office four times a day - not
far - yet a waste of time & energy.
Friday [21 May]
In the morning we motored out before breakfast to the Sheikh, first to see a certain spring on which he has spent a
quantity of money with very small profit - if any. We were motored out by Abdulla bin Jabr, the Sheikh's sort of
confidential servant, a very handsome black bearded man, but an awful rascal. Still he now sees that its to his
advantage to be friendly with me so is always very anxious to oblige. Am writing to the sound of the gramophone - its
an enormous pleasure, & sounds lovely on the veranda, always better in the open than indoors. Found the Sheik very
genial. Sat with him in his "Meglis" a handsome room, cool & high, furnished only with carpets & a few hard cushions
leant against the wall, drank the usual coffee & tea, scented & sprinkled with rosewater & then perfumed with
insense. A caller came, one of the Kanoo family, rich merchants, a dull young man lately returned from India.
Motored back to a late breakfast. Tennis in the afternoon at the Agency. Only played one set. The missionaries, with
curious pat-a-ball play, occupy the one court all the time.
Saturday 22nd [May]
