If Mrs.Woodward did not sympathize with him, others of the family would do so; and success would ultimately bring her round.

What woman ever yet refused to sympathize with successful ambition?
Alaric also received a letter from Captain Cuttwater, in which that gallant veteran expressed his great joy at the result of the examination--'Let the best man win all the world over,' said he, 'whatever his name is.

And they'll have to make the same rule at the Admiralty too.

The days of the Howards are gone by; that is, unless they can prove themselves able seamen, which very few of them ever did yet.

Let the best man win; that's what I say; and let every man get his fair share of promotion.' Alaric did not despise the sympathy of Captain Cuttwater.