ht way and, what matters more, on the right side.
Frances is to come with me, and all the doctors in creation tell her
she can only get rid of her neuritis if she goes to some such place
and misses part of an English winter. I would do anything to bring it
off, for that reason alone. You are a man who knows everybody; do you
know anybody on Allenby's staff; or know anybody who knows anybody on
Allenby's staff; or know anybody who would know anybody who would
know anything about it? I am told that it cannot be done as yet in
the ordinary way by Cook's; and that the oracle must be worked in
some such fashion. If you should be so kind as to refer to any
worried soldier or official, I should like it understood that I am
not nosing about touching any diplomatic or military matter; France
in Syria, or any copy for the _New Witness_. I only want to write
semi-historical rhetoric on the spot. If you could possibly help in
this matter, I really think you would be helping things you yourself
care about; and one person, not myself, who deserves it. I will not
say it would be killing two birds with one stone, which might seem a
tragic metaphor; but bringing one bird at least to life; and allowing
the other bird, who is a goose, to go on a wild goose-chase.

Yours always,

G. K. CHESTERTON.

It was much needed change and refreshment for both Gilbert and
Frances. Her Diary shows a vivid enjoyment of all the scenes and
happenings: going into the Church of the Nativity with a door "so low
you can hardly get in--this done to prevent the cattle from straying
in"; seeing camels on the roof of a convent; standing godmother to an
Armenian carpenter's baby:

The officiator in a cape of white silk embroidered in gold and a
wonderful crown supposed to represent the temple. The godfather (a
young man) was in a red velvet gown. After a good many prayers and
much chanting the babe, beautifully dressed, was taken to the font
(which was in the side of the wall) and there were more prayers and
chanting. Then cushions were laid on the floor and the child
undressed, all of us assisting. At this point I was asked to stand
Godmother and gladly consented. The baby, by this time quite naked,
was handed to the priest who immersed him completely under the water
three times--giving him the name of Pedros (Peter). Before being
re-clothed he was anointed with oil--