His mercurial spirits were rising again.

He smiled at Wilding.
"I think you are answered, sir," said he; "and I hope that like Fletcher there, who shared your doubts, you will come to agree that since we have set our hands to the plough we must go forward." "I have said that which I had it on my conscience to say.

Your Grace may have found me over-ready with my counsel; at least you shall find me no less ready with my sword." "Odso! That is better." Grey applauded, and his manner was almost pleasant.
"I never doubted it, Mr.Wilding," His Grace replied; "but I should like to hear you say that you are convinced--at least in part," and he waved his hand towards the window.

It was almost as if he pleaded for encouragement.

In common with most men who came in contact with Wilding, he had felt the latent force of this man's nature, the strength that was hidden under that calm surface, and the acuteness of the judgment that must be wedded to it.