The occasion soon presented itself.

Sir William Tyrrell, the private secretary of Sir Edward Grey sailed, in late October, for the United States.

The purpose of his visit was not diplomatic, but Page evidently believed that his presence in the United States offered too good an opportunity to be lost.
To Edward M.House Newton Hall, Newton, Cambridge.
Sunday, October 26, 1913.
DEAR HOUSE: Sir William Tyrrell, the secretary of Sir Edward Grey--himself, I think, an M.P .-- has gone to the United States to visit his friend, Sir Cecil Spring Rice.

He sailed yesterday, going first to Dublin, N.H., thence with the Ambassador to Washington.

He has never before been to the United States, and he went off in high glee, alone, to see it.