Page especially admired King George's frankness in recognizing these limitations and his readiness to accommodate himself to the British Constitution.

On most occasions, when these two men met, their intercourse was certainly friendly or at least not formidable.

After all formalities had been exchanged, the King would frequently draw the Ambassador aside; the two would retire to the smoking room, and there, over their cigars, discuss a variety of matters--submarines, international politics, the Irish question and the like.

His Majesty was not averse even to bringing up the advantages of the democratic and the monarchical system.

The King and Ambassador would chat, as Page himself would say, like "two human beings"; King George is an emphatic and vivacious talker, fond of emphasizing his remarks by pounding the table; he has the liveliest sense of humour, and enjoys nothing quite so much as a good story.