But this was the first time that his hearers had been sadly disappointed.

This was due more to what was said than how it was said.

Then it was plain to those who heard him that his heart was not in what he was saying; hence the speech was devoid of that fiery eloquence which on previous occasions had charmed and electrified his hearers.

But, after that speech, when one of his auditors would ask another what he thought of it, the reply invariably was a groan of disappointment.

When the immense crowd dispersed at the conclusion of the speech instead of smiling faces and pleasing countenances as on previous occasions, one could not help noticing marked evidences of disappointment in every face.