Presently Whitelocke sent to the Chancellor to know how he did after his journey, and when he might have the liberty to visit him. The Chancellor answered that he was well, and purposed this evening or tomorrow morning to go to the Queen, and afterwards he would send to Whitelocke to let him know what time they might meet to finish his business. This seemed to Whitelocke a little different from the ordinary rules of civility--that when he sent to the Chancellor to know at what time he might come to him, the Chancellor answered that his purpose was to go to the Queen; but Whitelocke hoped that the intent was to receive her Majesty's direction in his business. _April 27, 1654._ [SN: Signing the articles again deferred till the morrow.] Lagerfeldt came to Whitelocke from the Chancellor to tell him that the Chancellor was come to town purposely for the signing of the articles. Whitelocke said he was much obliged to the Chancellor for so great a favour, and that, after three weeks elapsed since the articles were agreed, he might now hope it would be thought seasonable to confirm that agreement with hand and seal. Lagerfeldt answered that it might be done this day, and therefore he came to Whitelocke that his secretary might meet with the Queen's secretary, and they together might examine the books, which in the evening may be signed and sealed by both parties. _Whitelocke._ Hath Monsieur Canterstein procured the Queen's patent to authorize her Commissioners to conclude this treaty? _Lagerfeldt._ It must be done before the signing of the articles, and then you may have your audience when your Excellence pleaseth. _Wh._ It were fit to have that done. _Lag._ I know not whether the presents which her Majesty intends to make to your Excellence and your company be yet ready; and I know the Queen intends to express as much honour to you as she hath done to any ambassador whatsoever. _Wh._ I desire no greater honour than the despatch of my business, and liberty to return home. _Lag._ I shall serve your Excellence therein to the utmost of my power. In the afternoon Whitelocke sent his son James and his secretary Earle, and Swift, with the articles and papers touching his business, unto Canterstein, where they examined them and corrected what was mistaken. They asked at what hour Whitelocke might repair to the Chancellor for signing the articles. Canterstein answered, that the Chancellor was weary with his journey; but he went to him and brought word that, if Whitelocke would come to the Chancellor about five or six o'clock this evening, he would be ready to confer with him. This being reported to Whitelocke by his son, he sent him back to Canterstein to know whether the Queen had sealed the grant of power to her Commissioners, who brought word that it was not done, and that the Queen went out of town this evening, and returned not till tomorrow.