"'Tis a very slow old gentleman, this Doctor Dale," said Alexander; "he was here in the time of Madam my mother, and has also been ambassador at Vienna.

I have received him and his attendants with great courtesy, and held out great hopes of peace.

We had conversations about the place of meeting.

He wishes Ostend: I object.

The first conference will probably be at some point between that place and Newport." The next opportunity for discussion and delay was afforded by the question of powers.