The conference took place at Whitehall on the thirtieth of November.

Rochester, who did not wish it to be known that he had even consented to hear the arguments of Popish priests, stipulated for secrecy.

No auditor was suffered to be present except the King.

The subject discussed was the real presence.
The Roman Catholic divines took on themselves the burden of the proof.
Patrick and Jane said little; nor was it necessary that they should say much; for the Earl himself undertook to defend the doctrine of his Church, and, as was his habit, soon warmed with conflict, lost his temper, and asked with great vehemence whether it was expected that he should change his religion on such frivolous grounds.

Then he remembered how much he was risking, began again to dissemble, complimented the disputants on their skill and learning, and asked time to consider what had been said.