Was he really treacherous and false, loving money above all else, and careless of the good of the realm, so long as he built up his own fortunes securely?
"The Duke's career is not without its black spots," answered Lord Claud.

"It is known by all that he deserted the late King James the Second; but there were reasons solid and sound for that.

The darkest passage in his life is his intrigues against His Majesty King William, for which he was disgraced for some time.

But for all that his genius is marvellous, and I am very sure he is loyal to the core to good Queen Anne; albeit a man who will not openly ally himself with either Whig or Tory faction must expect to make enemies in many quarters." "And does he indeed love money so well ?" "Second to his wife, or men do him great injustice.

But though they laugh and sneer at him, I misdoubt me if he loves wealth better than his traducers; only he keeps a firmer grip upon it, having indeed no taste for vulgar dissipation.