The famous QUEX having relinquished the raree show of London--its lunches,
its beauties, its theatres, its celebrities and its suppers--to take part
in this boring and extremely inconvenient War, how proper that he should
be succeeded by a younger _flaneur_! Behold then QUEX MINIMUS busy as a
chronicler in your service.
* * * * *
Met Sir Loney Loon at the Fitz, where I had the greatest difficulty in
finding a host. Succeeded, however, at last, but as he was an unknown
person I do not mention him here. Sir Loney told me he was thinking of
standing as Independent candidate when next there is a vacancy, being so
utterly tired of the Coalition and all its incompetencies. Fancy, said he,
after at least ten years of existence, aviation not being perfect! And
the iniquity of any hitch whatever in any department after nearly two
years of war! All I can say is I hope the famous magnate wins.
* * * * *
Heard Lord and Lady Provender eating their soup at the Barlton grill,
where I had an excellent position behind the screen. His lordship looks
older than he did in 1893, when he was in India. Her ladyship was wearing
the famous Sheepshanks agates.
* * * * *
Talked to Dicky Post, the famous trainer, after Newmarket. He said it
was most gratifying to see how finely racing men took the War. No one
could visit the historic course and not realise what a wonderful country
England was. To see the jockeys doing their bit on this mount and that,
no matter how they might kick or plunge or buck, was a real tonic and
indicated what stuff they were made of. He said that M. HUMBERT's recent
article on the need for the Allies of France to be as much in earnest as
she was, had a very favourable reception on the Heath.
* * * * *
Met, at Liro's, Harry Wagtail, who is the author of most of the best _bons
mots_ of the day, although they go into circulation usually under other
men's names. Paying the new income-tax, he said, will be like selling
the gold in your teeth to discharge the dentist's bill.
* * * * *
Watched a famous millionaire at the Vasoy wondering whether he dare
flout public opinion and the economy campaign by eating a plover's egg.
Finally he got under the table to eat it unperceived, and was most
surprised to find me there.