His charm and his self-confidence, which a genius of tact saved from self-assertion, carried him pleasantly through the social world; his sympathetic intelligence dealt largely and strongly with the public affairs under his control.

He loved organizing, persuading, casting skilful nets.

His appeal for subscriptions was irresistible.

He had the magical gift of wringing a hundred pounds from a plutocrat with the air of conferring a graceful favour.

In aid of the Mission to Convert the Jews he could have fleeced a synagogue.