He is a private citizen, a man without personal political ambition, a modest, quiet, even shy fellow.

He helps to make Cabinets, to shape policies, to select judges and ambassadors and suchlike merely for the pleasure of seeing that these tasks are well done.
He is suffering from over-indulgence in advising, and he has come here to rest.

I cannot get him far outside his hotel, for he cares to see few people.

But he is very eager to meet you.
I wonder if you would do me the honour to take luncheon at the Coburg Hotel with me, to meet him either on July 1, or 3, or 5--if you happen to be free?
I shall have only you and Mr.House.
Very sincerely yours, WALTER H.PAGE.
The chief reason why Colonel House wished to meet the British Foreign Secretary was to bring him a message from President Wilson on the subject of the Panama tolls.

The three men--Sir Edward, Colonel House, and Mr.Page--met at the suggested luncheon on July 3rd.