It had been brought to the necessity of choosing, and however much the Principal, voicing the outcry of his party, might argue that the British plan was as detestable and ruinous as a French invasion, the nation preferred to place its confidence in the conqueror of Vimeiro and the Douro.
Souza quitted the Government and the capital as had been demanded.

But if Wellington hoped that he would quit intriguing, he misjudged his man.
He was a fellow of monstrous vanity, pride and self-sufficiency, of the sort than which there is none more dangerous to offend.

His wounded pride demanded a salve to be procured at any cost.

The wound had been administered by Wellington, and must be returned with interest.

So that he ruined Wellington it mattered nothing to Antonio de Souza that he should ruin himself and his own country at the same time.