As soon as the conversation commenced he displayed a communicativeness and good-will which he preserved while it lasted.

He certainly regarded me as a negotiator unworthy of him and he had the politeness not to let this be seen, and appeared interested by my sincerity.

I was struck with the clearness of his ideas, his vigorous good sense, and his originality of mind.

His freedom from all pretensions was no less remarkable." It is interesting to compare with this the account given by another Frenchman of one of the later interviews between the two men[11]: "The negotiations began seriously and quietly.

The Chancellor said simply and seriously what he wanted with astonishing frankness and admirable logic.